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Amplify student voice through media making and authentic audience

The KQED Youth Media Challenge empowers students to share their ideas through audio, video and images. Choose from three FREE standards-aligned projects, complete with ready to use, modifiable curricular supports. Great for ELA, science, social studies and more.

Who can participate?

The Challenge is open to middle and high school students. Any educator—from teachers to librarians to youth program leaders—can participate by creating an account. (No login needed for students!)

When does it happen?

We welcome submissions year-round, from classrooms, after-school programs and summer camps. Periodically, we have deadline-based opportunities to highlight students’ work. Subscribe for updates.

Authentic audience

Student submissions are published on the KQED Youth Media Challenge Showcase. Select pieces may be shared on KQED digital and broadcast channels and via PBS and NPR stations around the country. Read our Student Publishing FAQs.

Get Started with Free Curriculum

Engage student voice and choice with project-based learning that challenges students to use media to have their say, share what they know or tell their own stories.

Commentary

Call for Change

Two students, one with a microphone and headphones

Students choose a local, national or global topic and express their views in an issue-based audio or video commentary or editorial cartoon.

Informational

Show What You Know

two students looking down at a piece of paper, one holding a microphone and wearing headphones

Students show what they know about a topic, concept or scientific phenomenon in a podcast, mini-documentary or infographic.

Personal Narrative

First Person

a student holding a microphone

Students share a memory, story or life lesson about themselves or their community in a personal narrative audio essay, short film or photo essay.

Resources and Support for Educators

KQED Teach helps you gain the confidence to create digital media and teach media making and media literacy through FREE self-paced online courses, workshops and PBS Media Literacy Educator Certification.

KQED Teach
Partners and Collaborators
Supporting teachers and students, providing technology, and bringing youth media to authentic audiences.