Young Podcasters Shine in NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge
Across the nation, fourth-grade classrooms have been transformed into bustling recording studios as students participate in NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge. This annual competition showcases the creativity and storytelling prowess of young podcasters through engaging stories, interviews, and commentaries.
Among this year’s submissions, judges were impressed by a range of topics, including evolving math instruction, the complexities of technology use, and a delightful debate on whether kids or adults have the better life. The challenge, now welcoming fourth graders for the second year, has been a platform for students from grades five through twelve for seven years.
A standout from last year, Ameya Desai from Williams Elementary in San Jose, Calif., has achieved a remarkable feat. After winning the fourth-grade category previously, she returned to claim the middle school grand prize with her podcast, Far From Home – Shikata Ga Nai.
This year, three winners and two honorable mentions were selected from a pool of strong contenders. Here are the top podcasts from fourth graders in 2025:
Winners
Kids vs Adults
Creators: Emma Chayon, Emma Perez, and Ella Elraviv from Acton Academy of Bergen County, Closter, N.J.
In this spirited debate, fourth grader Ella Elraviv and her teacher, Ms. Edwards, tackle everyday issues like bedtime rules and snack choices to determine who has it better: kids or adults. Laughter and lively exchanges highlight the perks and challenges of each side.
Will AI Take Over Hollywood?
Creator: Noah Brown from Jefferson Elementary School, Union City, N.J.
Noah Brown delves into AI’s expanding influence in Hollywood, tracing back to its historical roots. While some creative roles remain secure, he notes predictions that over 20% of the industry could be AI-driven by 2026.
Zero Technology Whatsoever!
Creator: Alana Burwell from The Waldorf School of Philadelphia, Philadelphia.
Alana Burwell recounts her tech-free experience on a class farm trip, discovering joy in simple activities like feeding animals and roasting marshmallows. Her podcast captures the unexpected fun and camaraderie without modern gadgets.
Honorable Mentions
Shelter Pets
Creator: Finley Pritchard from Byron Kibler Elementary School, Enumclaw, Wash.
Finley Pritchard’s insightful podcast advocates for pet adoption, highlighting the challenges shelter animals face. He stresses the importance of adopting pets from local shelters to prevent unnecessary euthanasia.
The Times Are Changing and Math Is Too
Creator: Kennedy Abramowitz from Eva Marshall Magnet Elementary School, Flagstaff, Ariz.
Through an interview with math coordinator Ms. Jane, Kennedy Abramowitz explores how “new math” continues to evolve, addressing common parental concerns about contemporary teaching methods.
