The NPR College Podcast Challenge is back for its second year! Applications are now live for the challenge open to college students. The NPR Student and College Podcast Challenges have introduced more than 40,000 students to the world of public radio and audio storytelling. We have seen stories about the COVID-19 pandemic, identity, climate change, campus life and more — what it’s like to be a college student in today’s world.

This year, the college challenge has some exciting updates: the winner of the challenge will receive a grand prize of $5,000. Top finalists will also receive $500 cash prizes.

Key Dates
February 28 – Deadline for entries
Week of March 29 – Finalists and honorable mentions are announced and shared with stations
Week of June 1  – Winners announced

Check out the official rules, submission guidelines on the official page