NPR has a great student podcast challenge each year, offering lots of support materials.

Students can choose any topic but, this year, they’re also offering a special prize for podcasts related to the 250th birthday of the U.S:

To mark the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, send us podcasts that explore what the phrase, “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” means to you.

For this special challenge, our judges will be listening for stories that look back at historical events, take us to historic places, or that explore what it means to be an American. Stories of innovation, of rights and protest, arts and culture, civic engagement and governance, or personal narratives or beliefs.

I’m adding this info to The Best Resources For Teacher & Student Podcasting.