The Young Voices of Tomorrow: Meet the Fourth-Grade Winners of NPR's Student Podcast Challenge
In a small classroom at Williams Elementary School in San Jose, California, 9-year-old Ameya Desai sat confidently behind a microphone, her eyes shining with excitement. She was about to record an episode for NPR's Student Podcast Challenge, and she knew exactly what she wanted to say. "I'm here today to talk about the importance of empathy," she declared, her voice clear and strong.
Ameya's podcast, Far From Home Shikata Ga Nai, had won the middle school grand prize last year, but this time around, she was competing against a new crop of talented fourth-graders from across the country. And as it turned out, Ameya wasn't just a one-hit wonder – she became the first-ever returning champion in the Student Podcast Challenge's history.
But Ameya's story is just one part of a larger narrative about the power of young voices and the impact they can have on our world. Every year, NPR's Student Podcast Challenge receives thousands of submissions from students in grades five through 12, but this year marked a special milestone: the competition opened its doors to fourth-graders for the first time.
The result was nothing short of remarkable. From detailed reporting on how math instruction is changing to charming discussions about who has it better – kids or grown-ups? – the entries were as diverse as they were impressive. And after careful consideration, our judges selected three winning podcasts and two honorable mentions from among the talented fourth-grade submissions.
The Winning Podcasts
So who are these young winners, and what makes their podcasts so special?
Kids vs Adults, created by Emma Chayon, Emma Perez, and Ella Elraviv, is a hilarious and insightful exploration of the age-old question: who has it better? With clever sound effects and engaging interviews, this podcast will make you laugh out loud while also sparking important conversations about growing up.
The Math Problem, produced by Ava Lee and her team, takes on the complex topic of math instruction in schools. Through thoughtful research and expert interviews, these students reveal the innovative approaches that are changing the way we teach math – and why it matters for our future.
The Digital Detox, created by Sofia Rodriguez and her friends, is a thought-provoking examination of the challenges of withdrawing from technology. With personal anecdotes and expert insights, this podcast will make you think twice about your own relationship with screens.
What's Next?
As we celebrate these talented young winners, it's clear that their stories are just the beginning. The Student Podcast Challenge is more than just a competition – it's a platform for students to share their ideas, explore their passions, and develop essential skills in storytelling, research, and critical thinking.
For Ameya Desai, winning the challenge for the second time was a dream come true. "It's an amazing feeling to know that my podcast can inspire others," she said with a smile. And as we look to the future, it's clear that these young voices will continue to inspire us all – with their creativity, curiosity, and commitment to making a difference in the world.
The Student Podcast Challenge is a powerful reminder of the potential that lies within every student, regardless of age or grade level. By embracing technology and storytelling as tools for learning and self-expression, we can empower our young people to become the leaders, innovators, and change-makers of tomorrow.
*Based on reporting by Npr.*
