NPR’s College Podcast Challenge: A Showcase of Diverse Student Voices
From a personal tale of balancing parenthood with college life to exploring the evolving identity of a small town, student podcasters across the nation have shared their compelling stories. These narratives have now been recognized as finalists in the fifth annual NPR College Podcast Challenge.
This year, a remarkable variety of colleges and universities are represented among the finalists, including both newcomers and returning institutions. Highlights include Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s consecutive appearance and Boston University’s return to the list for the first time since 2022.
Out of submissions from 75 colleges across 35 states, the NPR education team has selected the top 10 finalists. Each of these podcasts will receive a $500 cash prize, with the grand prize winner taking home $5,000. The winner, along with several finalists, will be featured on NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered.
In addition to the finalists, 35 podcasts have been honored with an Honorable Mention.
Here are this year’s finalists, listed alphabetically:
1. Campus Mom by Emma Vogt, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Emma Vogt shares a personal narrative about balancing the demands of college life with raising a child, representing the 4 million college student-parents in the U.S.
2. Dear Panda by Charlotte King, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vt.
Charlotte King delves into themes of grief and loss, recounting a memorable summer with her late uncle in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
3. Dear Papa by Colby McCaskill, Fordham University, New York, N.Y.
Colby McCaskill pens a poignant letter to his grandparents, addressing themes of distance, dementia, and aging.
4. Death of the Narrative Podcast by Noah Kammer, Belmont University, Nashville, Tenn.
Noah Kammer reflects on the changing landscape of narrative podcasting, a field he aspires to join.
5. I’m Not Laughing by Emily Wyrwa, Boston University
Emily Wyrwa investigates how clowns became a symbol for protest in Boston and the mission behind this nonviolent movement.
6. Joe’s World by Luisa Sukkar, Barnard College, New York, N.Y.
Luisa Sukkar explores the imaginary world of her autistic twin brother, Joe, and the impact on their relationship.
7. New York 10019 by Syd Walter, Sarah Lawrence College, Bronxville, N.Y.
Syd Walter retraces the steps of Tony Schwartz, capturing the essence of Manhattan’s Upper West Side through sound.
8. People Like Us by Evelyn Rissell, Highline Community College, Des Moines, Wash.
Evelyn Rissell highlights the community bond fostered by a monthly book club at a local bookstore in Burien, Wash.
9. The Best Player on the Worst Team by Anna Slade, Oberlin College, Oberlin, Ohio.
Anna Slade offers an introspective look at what it means to be a football player on an underperforming college team.
10. The Price of Paradise by Gabriela Valladares, Dalton State College, Dalton, Ga.
Gabriela Valladares explores the transformation of her hometown in Georgia as it transitions into a tourist destination, bringing challenges and opportunities for locals.
Congratulations to all our finalists!
The grand prize winner will be announced in March. To view the Honorable Mention entries, click here.
For more details on the NPR College Podcast Challenge and the Student Podcast Challenge for grades 4-12, click here. The 2026 Student Podcast Challenge is currently open for entries until May 31.
For those interested in starting a podcast, our Sound Advice page offers resources and tutorials. Stay updated by subscribing to The Student Podcast Challenge newsletter.
