Summer Institute for Authentic Learning and Leadership

Have you ever wondered how to turn student voice into meaningful, real-world impact? In this session, explore how students in grades 4–12 research, write, and produce original podcasts for the NPR Student Podcast Challenge—an authentic, student-driven learning experience that blends literacy, creativity, and civic engagement. Participants will see how this project empowers students to investigate issues that matter to them and use their voices to inspire change within their communities.

Grounded in UA Schools’ Profile of an Engaged Learner, this work cultivates creative thinkers who take purposeful risks, skilled communicators who express ideas clearly and ethically, and open-minded, empathetic learners who seek to understand diverse perspectives. Along the way, students strengthen key ELA skills such as research design, evidence-based writing, and purposeful organization, while also developing 21st-century competencies like interviewing experts, collaborating with community members, and communicating across audiences.

This session will highlight classroom successes and student exemplars, while also inviting participants into a collaborative conversation. Together, we’ll brainstorm ways to refine supports and streamline open-ended prompts—ensuring we elevate students' thinking without limiting their creative voice.

This session qualifies for Gifted PD hours.