The campus buzz grows as students adjust to new classes, meet roommates, and enjoy events like pep rallies and rush week. As fall approaches, a different kind of excitement builds as students prepare for the NPR College Podcast Challenge. Participants from a variety of campuses aim for a $5,000 grand prize for the best college podcast in America, and a $500 scholarship for finalists. Now in its sixth year, the challenge has attracted students from every state and Washington, D.C., introducing audiences to captivating stories.
Previous winners have highlighted diverse themes, such as a vivid portrayal of life with a rare mental health condition from a Miami Dade College student, and a Fordham University senior’s heartfelt reflections on his grandparents’ battles with cancer and dementia. Penn State and Colorado College students have also shared stories of historical events and personal discovery. These narratives have covered various fields of study and showcased students’ storytelling talents.
The challenge evolved from the NPR Student Podcast Challenge for grades 4-12, established in 2018. This year, the Senior Podcast Challenge for individuals aged 65 and older joins the lineup.
How it Works
This year’s rules stay mostly the same. Submit an audio story up to eight minutes long without copyrighted music. Participants are encouraged to follow detailed instructions to avoid disqualification. Ready to submit? Details are provided on how to participate.
Helpful Tips
Sound production and storytelling have improved with students now more comfortable speaking into a microphone and better at editing. However, excessive use of sound effects can be counterproductive. Similar advice applies to music or scoring, which can violate copyright rules or distract from the story. NPR provides guidance on how to effectively score your podcast and improve audio quality.
Participants should adhere to NPR journalistic principles. This includes not using AI for writing or producing podcasts, considering both story sides, gathering comments, respecting privacy, and including full character names. Additional guidelines focus on ethical storytelling. Ultimately, a compelling story remains key.
It’s time for students to grab their microphones and start recording intriguing stories to share with a wider audience.
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