🏆 Special prize for America 250!In addition to the regular grand prizes and the fourth grade winners, the 2026 contest will honor a special prize for podcasts celebrating the country’s 250th birthday.
What does that mean?
Send us podcasts that explore what the phrase, "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness" means to you! Our judges will be listening for stories that look back at historical events, take us to historic places, or that explore what it means to be an American. Stories of innovation, of rights and protest, arts and culture, civic engagement and governance, or personal narratives or beliefs.
So really, the full range of the American experience, however you choose to define that.
You can read more about the 2026 contest and the FAQ section here. It will officially open on Monday, Jan. 5, when we’re back from the holidays.
Got questions? You can reach me at studentpodcastchallenge@npr.org.
|
|
📝 Opportunities + Resources🎤 COLLEGE STUDENTS! You’ve still got a whole month to make your dream podcast and submit it to the College Podcast Challenge – for a chance to win $5,000 and hear your story on NPR. Deadline is Jan. 16. Good luck!
🎧 If reading this leaves you feeling inspired to pick up a microphone (or pass the mic to the students in your life!) check out our Sound Advice resources page for getting started in podcasting. ANYONE can make a podcast, and I mean it when I say that!
🌟 A cool opportunity for high school podcasters: Wanna work with other student journalists around the country? AND get paid for your work? Our friends at PBS News Student Reporting Labs are looking for podcast producers who have a story to tell – about your hometown, neighborhood and communities. You can learn more and apply here by Dec. 19.
We’ll be back in the new year! Until then, take care.
Warmly & Happy Holidays!
Janet Woojeong Lee |
|
Stream your local NPR station. |
|
| Visit NPR.org to find your local station stream. |
|
|
| |
|
|
