Youth Media Challenges ask students to explore how they see themselves, share their view of the world, or envision a better future. Choose from a range of standards-aligned, media-making projects across content areas that help reach your learning objectives and engage students at the same time.
All challenges come with ready-to-use curriculum and every student submission is published on the KQED Youth Media Showcase. Select submissions will be aired on KQED broadcasts and shared with PBS and NPR member stations around the country.
Explore the 7 current challenges or browse all published student submissions.
True, private jets are mostly the rarified ride of rock stars and pro athletes, but they are also a...
Students practice critical thinking as they analyze video prompts, conduct research, and present their own evidence-based perspective in a safe and supportive environment. Video prompts come from the award-winning series Above the Noise and other PBS shows, and they include standards-aligned lesson plans centered on evaluating information and claim-based argument skills.
"The Sci Doc challenge was an eye-opening experience for me as an educator. I was shocked by the ability many of my students have when it comes to creating and editing videos. Because the Science Documentary challenge does not limit students to a specific topic, students enjoyed having free rein on producing videos on topics that were of interest to them."
"It means a lot to me that someone found [my project] interesting and wanted to hear what I have to say. I think that it often feels that you can talk to the people who already know what you think, and they already know who you are, and it doesn’t feel like you’re making a difference, but to have your voice amplified is empowering."
"Making this video at first was just a school project, but then getting into making it and digging into [my personal experiences with racism], I realized I’m not the only one who’s had these things happen to them... It felt good to have my video open peoples’ eyes and ask themselves what they can do to change. [Doing this project] has inspired me to do more to help out my community and produce more videos to bring this topic to light and bring change."
KQED is a PBS and NPR affiliate based in San Francisco. KQED’s award-winning education programs help students and educators thrive in 21st-century classrooms with free youth media resources and professional development.