March Madness is in full swing at NPR's Education Desk as we dive into the excitement of the College Podcast Challenge. After reviewing hundreds of submissions from talented college podcasters nationwide, we've selected our top 10 finalists.
These finalists will compete in the final round of our fourth annual College Podcast Challenge, where our judges will determine the national champion. The winner will receive a $5,000 cash prize.
Among the finalists are students from Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, both known for their March collegiate tournament fame. Other prestigious institutions like Stanford University, Princeton University, and Dartmouth College have also advanced to the finals.
This year, some newcomers have made it to the top, including Maine College of Art & Design, Minnesota State University, Mankato, Hofstra University, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Miami Dade College, last year's champion, is back to defend its title.
Our finalists include both individual students and collaborative teams, with podcasts ranging from personal projects to class assignments. Each entry showcases exceptional storytelling and innovative sound design.
Here are our 10 finalists, listed alphabetically. We'll reveal the winner next month. We invite you to listen and share your favorites with us.
Congratulations to all the finalists! The grand prize winner will be announced in April, along with the Honorable Mention entries. Stay updated by subscribing to The Student Podcast Challenge newsletter.