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Here are some of the best student podcasts in America

By Janet W. Lee

Published September 9, 2025 at 5:03 AM EDT

NPR's Student Podcast Challenge received nearly 2,000 entries from all around the country. Here are some of this year's best middle school submissions.

Janet W. Lee

Stories From This Author

Here they are: The best student podcasts in America

Janet W. Lee

For the 2025 NPR Student Podcast Challenge, we've listened to nearly 2,000 entries from around the U.S., and narrowed them down to 11 middle school and 10 high school finalists.
How NPR's college podcast champion overcame his fears and inspired listeners around the world

Janet W. Lee

Our winning podcaster has graduated and tells us that opening up about his mental health condition brought thousands of responses and gave him a sense of purpose.
What the Class of 2025 has to say about the state of higher education

Janet W. Lee

Three graduating college seniors reflect on how their final semester, during the Trump presidency, has changed how they think about higher education.