2021 International Student
Podcast Competition

Students from around the world are invited to:

Create a podcast, have your podcasts heard, and compete for a chance to win the grand prize

What is the competition about?

Create and submit your own podcast. The topic can be something that you previously completed for a class or something new - whatever sparks passion. This podcast can be produced alone, or with a group of other students.

Who is eligible to compete?

This competition is open to students anywhere in the world who are currently in Grades 5 - 12. The contest is broken into 2 Divisions: Middle Years (Grades 5 - 8) and High School (Grades 9 - 12) with winners announced in each Division.

How long does the podcast need to be?

Each podcast entry should be between 3:00 - 8:00 minutes long.

You can record something new, or rework a podcast project previously done for a class. We don't expect you to be professional podcasters. Simply work hard to produce something you are proud to share.

What are the prizes?

There will be an overall winner from all of the submissions per division. Each category in both divisions will also have a winning podcast and several honorable mentions. The winning podcast submissions will be featured on the main page of this website as well as in various news stories. Other award winners will be formally announced and published on this official website. The top podcasts will receive an exclusive competition t-shirt and other fun swag; examples of which are; podcasting microphones, bluetooth headphones, and/or gift cards.

Select your Podcast Story idea from the categories below:

• My Neighborhood - Connecting with Where You Live

• My Take on History - How does the past affect the present and/or the future?

• My Passion

• This vs That (highlight both sides of an issue)

• Kids Will Get it (Adults, not so much)

• You HAVE to read this book!

• Misleading Statistics

• Radio Drama Production

• I am a TCK (third culture kid), where is home?

• Geek Out With Me

• Open Choice Category

Choose a Language Categories:

• English

• Arabic

Guiding Principles:

• Use school-appropriate language.

• Focus on producing good sound quality with very little background noise.

• Use sound effects that are original, copyright-free or available with a Creative Commons license allowing non-profit use.

• Submit an audio-only format.

• If you don’t mind your grandparents, your Principal, or your government Leaders hearing your podcast, then your podcast is probably appropriate for this contest.

• ACS Abu Dhabi is not responsible or liable for any content submitted or published.

Yes, this is a competition, but it's also about gaining new, relevant skills in a fun way. We have referenced our inspiration for this contest, NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge, and their tutorials are designed to help both teachers and students. These resources are general guidelines and you should refer to this main direction page for information about the International Student Podcast Competition. (Click the resource buttons below)

How to Submit your Podcast? Click the button at the bottom of the page

How will the podcasts be judged?

The judges will be listening for creative work that stands out. They will judge the podcast on Information and Organization (33%), Creativity and Voice (33%), Production (33%), and that Special Sauce Zing (1%).

Important Dates:

• The competition podcast submission period begins at 12:00 a.m. GMT on March 1, 2021, and ends at 11:59 p.m. GMT on April 24, 2021.

• The challenge judging period begins on April 25, 2021, and ends on or about May 16, 2021. Eligible submissions will be reviewed by up to two (2) panels of judges selected at the sole discretion of the Sponsor, and will be judged in accordance with the guidelines above. Winners of each category will be selected, along with a Grand Prize and Runner-up Prize Winners.

• Sponsors will contact each Winner on or about May 18, 2021. UPDATE: Due to the huge volume of podcasts, the judges have requested a few more days in order to give each podcast a fair review. Winners will be notified by May 25, 2021.

• The Winners will be publicly announced on or about May 20, 2021. UPDATE: Due to the huge volume of podcasts, the judges have requested a few more days in order to give each podcast a fair review. The public will be notified by May 28, 2021.

Questions? Read through our FAQ.