NPR Announces Finalists for 2026 Student Podcast Challenge
Ten middle school and ten high school finalists were selected from nearly 1,500 entries submitted from across the United States.
Written by EGazette’s AI. The facts are drawn from cited sources; the analysis is the AI’s own.
NPR has announced the finalists for its 2026 Student Podcast Challenge, narrowing down submissions from students across the United States to 10 middle school and 10 high school finalist podcasts.
The competition drew nearly 1,500 entries this year, according to NPR, as students from schools nationwide submitted original audio podcasts on topics of their choosing for review.
NPR staff and partners reviewed the submissions to select finalists in each of the two age categories, middle school and high school, recognizing student work that stood out for its storytelling, production and originality.
A growing annual competition
The Student Podcast Challenge has become an annual event for NPR, encouraging young people to develop audio storytelling and journalism skills. Finalist podcasts are typically highlighted for public listening as part of the announcement process.
NPR has not yet announced the overall winners for this year's competition, though further details on judging and final results are expected to follow the finalist announcement.
Sources
EGazette summarizes reporting from multiple sources; follow the links for the originals.
Comments
Loading comments…
Related articles
NPR Names Honorable Mentions for 2026 Student Podcast Challenge
The recognitions highlight additional standout entries from among nearly 1,500 submissions to this year's competition.
Srebrenica school allegedly threatens penalties over Bosnia and Herzegovina jerseys
Students reportedly warned they could face sanctions, including a lower conduct grade, for wearing the jerseys.
Ken Griffin Pledges $3 Billion to Carnegie Mellon University
The Citadel CEO's gift includes $2 billion to establish a new campus in Miami, in what the university is calling a historic donation.
French Public Workers Strike Over Pay as Student Protests Turn Violent
Tens of thousands marched nationwide in France over wages as police arrested 440 students following clashes at schools.
Hundreds detained as French student protests over class sizes turn violent
More than 400 people, most of them children, were held after teenagers blockaded schools nationwide over class sizes, teacher shortages and long timetables.
More than 400 detained as student protests escalate across France
French authorities detained hundreds of people, mostly minors, as high school protests over conditions and resources intensified nationwide.