Friday, September 20, 2024; Washington, D.C. — NPR’s fourth annual College Podcast Challengeis back and open for submissions between September 20th and January 10th. The contest rules are similar to past years: produce a podcast between three and twelve minutes on a topic, issue or story of your choosing. Previous entrants will note the maximum time length has been extended from 8 minutes to twelve. The winner will receive a $5000 scholarship and $500 will be awarded to finalists. The grand prize winner and finalists will be notified in March 2025.
"The College Podcast Challenge is an incredibly fun and interesting opportunity for students interested in storytelling,” said Steve Drummond, executive producer of NPR Ed. "This contest is not only a chance to win prizes but it's an occasion to break into the field of journalism - which we have seen from many past participants.”
To help students and classrooms get started, NPR has shared suggested, but not required prompts, along with a set of criteria that judges will use to pick winning podcasts. NPR's Education Team is providing training materials and resources — how to use a smartphone to record audio, how to conduct an interview, audio storytelling tips and tricks — for both teachers and students of all ages. Those looking for additional guidance can turn to NPR's Students’ Podcast, which highlights great student podcasts and the people who made them, along with insight from NPR producers and past judges about what makes great audio. NPR’s podcast challenge is also a great entry into the field of journalism. The very first College Podcast Challenge Winner, Anya Steinberg, went on to intern at NPR and is now a producer at NPR’s Throughline podcast.
The announcement for the College Podcast Challenge can be found: HERE.
In addition to having their work featured on national NPR programs like All Things Considered and Morning Edition, the winning student will also have NPR journalists report features on their entries. Other standout podcasts may be featured online, on other NPR programs or on local Member stations. The Student Podcast Challenge, open to middle and high school students, will return in January 2025. Check out this year’s fourth grade winners here and the middle school winner here.
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