NPR Announces Finalists for Fifth Annual College Podcast Challenge

NPR has announced the ten finalists for its fifth annual College Podcast Challenge. These compelling stories were selected from hundreds of entries received this year, with the grand prize winner to be chosen from this group in the coming days.

These compelling stories were selected from hundreds of entries received this year, showcasing a diverse range of student voices.

Diverse Entries and Broad Reach

The list of colleges represented is diverse, featuring large public universities, smaller private colleges, and one community college, Highline Community College. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Boston University are returning schools among the finalists, underscoring their consistent participation. This year's submissions came from students at 75 colleges across 35 states, all meticulously reviewed by the NPR education team.

Prizes and National Recognition

Each finalist will receive a $500 cash prize, and the grand prize winner will be awarded $5,000. This significant prize acknowledges the exceptional talent and effort of the students. Furthermore, the champion and several finalist podcasts are scheduled to appear on NPR programs, including Morning Edition and All Things Considered, in the coming weeks, providing national exposure. In addition to the top finalists, 35 podcasts received an Honorable Mention award for their notable contributions.

The champion and several finalist podcasts are scheduled to appear on NPR programs, including Morning Edition and All Things Considered, in the coming weeks.

Meet the Finalists

Here are the ten compelling stories selected as finalists for this year's challenge:

• Campus Mom by Emma Vogt, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville: A personal narrative about earning a degree while raising a child.
• Dear Panda by Charlotte King, University of Vermont: An exploration of grief and loss after an uncle's death, recalling a summer visit.
• Dear Papa by Colby McCaskill, Fordham University: A letter from a grandson to his grandparents, addressing distance, dementia, and aging.
• Death of the Narrative Podcast by Noah Kammer, Belmont University: A discussion on the changing landscape of narrative podcasting and a student's career aspirations.
• I'm Not Laughing by Emily Wyrwa, Boston University: An investigation into the origins and mission of a nonviolent protest movement in Boston, using clowns as symbols.
• Joe's World by Luisa Sukkar, Barnard College: A sister explores the fantasy world of her twin brother, who has autism, and its impact on their relationship.
• New York 10019 by Syd Walter, Sarah Lawrence College: A student explores the work of recording artist Tony Schwartz, who captured sounds of a Manhattan postal zone in the 1950s.
• People Like Us by Evelyn Rissell, Highline Community College: A student shares how a monthly book club enriches their community in Burien, Washington.
• The Best Player on the Worst Team by Anna Slade, Oberlin College: A student journalist interviews football players on her school's struggling team.
• The Price of Paradise by Gabriela Valladares, Dalton State College: An examination of how a Georgia mountain community changed for longtime residents after becoming a popular tourist destination, leading to rising property values and overcrowding.

Grand Prize Announcement and Future Challenges

The grand prize winner will be announced in March. Further information regarding the NPR College Podcast Challenge and the Student Podcast Challenge for grades 4-12 is readily available. Entries for the 2026 Student Podcast Challenge are currently open until May 31, inviting the next wave of young storytellers.