The 250th anniversary of its founding prompted NPR to ask students nationwide to create podcasts about their American experiences and the meaning of “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” to them. This initiative received over 700 podcast entries. Many featured conversations with immigrant family members discussing their reasons for moving to the United States. Others included high-profile interviews with veterans, government officials, and even Gloria Steinem. The submissions covered historical events such as the Battle of Monmouth, the Stonewall riots, and the Underground Railroad, alongside present-day topics, including civics education in schools.

A panel selected several outstanding entries and honorable mentions from students as young as fourth grade up to high schoolers. Some of the notable podcasts include:

Winners

• Abridged: Grace Kepka and Angelika Garrett from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Maryland discuss youth voting rights and political engagement of young residents in their podcast.
• Civics in Our Schools: Fifth graders from Hewlett Elementary School in Hewlett, New York express their concerns about lacking civics education and explore ways to become better citizens.
• Leaving Greece: Livie Courser from Wickliffe Progressive Elementary in Upper Arlington, Ohio interviews her grandfather about immigrating from Greece. He shares the difficulties and rewards of moving to the U.S. and pursuing his dreams.
• Researching the Underground Railroad: Travis Bozeman and Oliver Heering from South Douglas Elementary in Douglasville, Georgia delve into the history of the Underground Railroad, presenting their research alongside expert insights.
• The American Dream: Makayla Cheung from Mercer Island High School in Washington interviews her father about redefining the American Dream after moving from Hong Kong for his running talent.
• The Journal: Violet Maxinoski from Carmel High School in California interviews her mother about her experiences during the Iraq War, contrasting them with her current life in the United States.
• Welcome Home, Grandpa: Ursula Koestner from Roslyn High School in New York shares her grandfather’s struggles post-Vietnam War, highlighting the lasting impact of the conflict on veterans.

Honorable Mentions

• America the Beautiful: Pareena Gupta and Vidushee Bala from Amador Valley High School in California.
• America: The Ups and the Downs: Alana Burwell from The Waldorf School of Philadelphia in Pennsylvania.
• America’s New Favorite Sport-Girls’ Flag Football: Josephine and Malcolm Barry-Kao from Lowell High School in San Francisco, California.
• An Intro to Differing Perspectives: Waylon Heikinen from Ingomar Middle School in Pennsylvania.
• Becoming American: Karolina Zientek, James Gearhart, Andrea Vezmar, Troy Murray, and August Hutchison from Greenwich High School in Connecticut.
• Before You Drop A Track: America’s 250th Anniversary: Lukas Boulom from Public Academy For Performing Arts in New Mexico.
• Dawg Talk | Are we equal now?: A collaborative project by students of Otwell Middle School in Georgia.

These podcasts showcase the diverse and insightful perspectives of young Americans on their nation’s past, present, and future.