As the NPR Education Desk dives into March Madness, an intense competition unfolds among top college podcasters nationwide. After a rigorous selection process, the list has been narrowed down to ten finalists.
These contenders will vie for the coveted title in the fourth annual College Podcast Challenge. A $5,000 cash prize awaits this year’s national champion, who will be chosen by a panel of judges.
The final round features students from Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, two schools renowned for their participation in another major March tournament.
Prestigious institutions like Stanford University, Princeton University, and Dartmouth College have advanced to the finals, maintaining their national rankings.
This year also welcomes new entrants into the spotlight: Maine College of Art & Design, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Hofstra University, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Miami Dade College, the reigning national champion, is back in the race, eager to defend its title.
The finalists bring a diverse mix of individual and team efforts, blending personal projects with class assignments. Each entry showcases exceptional storytelling and innovative sound design.
The ten finalists, listed alphabetically, are set to captivate audiences until the winner is announced next month. Feel free to listen and share your favorites with us.
- Brave Souls by Eliza Dunn, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H.
- Just Friends by Joanna Strogatz and Harper Caton, Maine College of Art & Design, Portland, Maine.
- Our Stories by Sonia Rao, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Congratulations to all our finalists! The grand prize winner will be announced in April, alongside the Honorable Mention entries.
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