NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge Showcases Young Talent
Classrooms across the country are buzzing with creativity as students transform into storytellers for NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge. Fourth-grade pupils, alongside their teachers, have delved into the world of podcasting, producing engaging narratives and discussions on a variety of topics.
This year’s captivating entries have impressed judges with subjects ranging from evolving math instruction to the impacts of technology withdrawal. Notably, some podcasts even explored the lighthearted debate of whether kids or adults have the better life.
Now in its seventh year, the challenge, which expanded last year to include fourth graders, continues to inspire students from fifth grade through high school to create and share their unique perspectives through podcasts. Among the past winners is Ameya Desai, a former fourth-grade champion from Williams Elementary in San Jose, who returned to claim a grand prize at the middle school level with her podcast Far From Home – Shikata Ga Nai.
2025 Winning Podcasts
This year, three podcasts were selected as winners, with two more earning honorable mentions. Here’s a look at the standout fourth-grade entries:
Kids vs Adults
Emma Chayon, Emma Perez, and Ella Elraviv from Acton Academy of Bergen County in Closter, N.J., under the guidance of teacher Ashley Edwards, engage in a spirited debate on who has it better – kids or adults. Ella argues for children, citing tax-free living and fun snacks, while Ms. Edwards counters with the freedoms enjoyed by adults, such as unrestricted TV viewing and travel.
Will AI Take Over Hollywood?
Noah Brown from Jefferson Elementary School in Union City, N.J., tackles the future of artificial intelligence in the entertainment industry. With the guidance of teacher Andrew Bishop, Noah explores AI’s historical and current roles, predicting that by 2026, AI could dominate over 20% of the industry, while creative human roles remain secure.
Zero Technology Whatsoever!
Alana Burwell from The Waldorf School of Philadelphia shares her tech-free adventure on a farm. Led by teacher Anyta Thomas, Alana discovers joy in interacting with animals and classmates, finding fun in egg collecting and nightly marshmallow roasting.
Honorable Mentions
Shelter Pets
Finley Pritchard from Byron Kibler Elementary in Enumclaw, Wash., with teacher Nicole Webb, advocates for pet adoption by narrating the plight of shelter animals and the importance of responsible pet ownership.
The Times Are Changing and Math Is Too
Kennedy Abramowitz from Eva Marshall Magnet Elementary in Flagstaff, Ariz., guided by teacher Katie Krause, interviews her math coordinator to explore the evolution of math teaching, challenging the notion that “new math” is overly complicated.
