Ideas with IMPACT

THE EDUCATION FUND CIVICS PODCAST GRANT

FUNDED BY THE LYNN & LOUIS WOLFSON II FAMILY FOUNDATION

Our CIVICS PODCAST grant was created to increase student civic engagement through podcasting. Our grant will provide teachers with the funds necessary to purchase equipment for students to produce their podcast and the platform to share them with their peers, their community, and the world! 

Student podcasts can cover a variety of pertinent topics such as vaping, gun laws, social media, bullying, and environmental issues - but ultimately the students will select relevant issues of most concern to them. Teachers who receive Podcast Grants help students research topics, identify interview subjects, help students secure interviews, write interview questions, and use critical thinking skills to analyze multiple points of view. 

Funds can be used to purchase podcast recording kits (less than $300), and video creation, editing and script dictation software packages. Grant recipients are required to submit their student podcast topics to the Education Fund, and all student podcasts must include interviews. You are encouraged to attend the Idea Expo Workshop on October 19, 2024 that will provide training on technical details, interviewing techniques and more.

*Exceptions may be made to teachers of lower grades. Please contact the Ideas with Impact Program Director before applying.

Recommendations for Student Podcasting (required for Podcasting Grant recipients)

• Allow students to select the topic(s) of their podcast. They may choose to focus on one topic for the whole year, or select multiple topics. Allowing students to select topics gives them agency and increases interest and engagement.
• Podcasting helps students learn to establish and defend their point of view on their topic(s), and learn to advocate for the changes they would like to see.
• Conducting interviews provides students with strong skills in research, journalism, debate, and critical thinking. Conducting interviews requires students to ask follow-up questions and be able to process information quickly.
• For young learners, podcasting helps develop language and communication skills

Contact Information:
Audrey Onyeike
Program Director
Ideas with IMPACT
The Education Fund 
audrey@lilysw.com