SPEAK UP THE WORLD IS LISTENING!
Speak Up was started as a way for educators to bring the use of creative outlets to their classrooms and show their students the power of the voice. Each year Speak Up has an awards ceremony where we recognize those who went above and beyond. This year we are proud to announce that we are going nation wide. What does that mean for you? Anyone who lives in the United States is encouraged to use podcasting as a vital literacy tool in your classroom and to submit your students’ work to our annual competition. We will have multiple categories in order showcase an array of student talent and interest. Are you an educator wanting to learn more about how to bring podcasting to your classroom but don’t know where to start? Feel free to reach out to our founder Amanda Triplett at Amandatriplett@nationalpodcastproject.com
FAQs about Speak Up
How long should my podcast be?
We ask that every submission in both the K-12 and adult categories stay between 3-8 minutes. Remember - often less is more. Though many podcasts are much longer, this time frame encourages podcasters to sift through any material that is not relevant to the story or point. It also allows our judges to give their full attention to each podcast.
How will I know if my podcast is chosen?
After the submission date has passed, our judges will work vigorously to get through each submission. The podcasts will be judged on a rubric, which can be downloaded from our website or shared via email. Once the scores have been tallied, we will send an invite to those who have been chosen to attend our awards ceremony at The Dalton Convention Center on May 14, 2026 at 6pm. However, all participants are welcomed to join the celebration! Tickets will go on sale in March 2026.
What if I cannot attend the awards ceremony?
While we wish everyone could attend our celebration, we know that is not always possible. If you cannot attend we will be offering live streaming of the event, as well as having a videographer capture the highlights of the evening to share afterwards.
How do I join The Young Podcasters Board?
Do you find yourself to be a creative voice in your community? Are you a high school student who would like to take on a leadership role? We encourage you to apply to join The NPP Young Podcaster Board, a group that will be leading podcast efforts locally and nationally.
