Columbus Students Produced Finalist Podcast
Two fifth graders at Barrington Elementary School created a podcast exploring various career paths.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Primary Education
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Abigail Stettler and Zoey Nolan, students at Barrington Elementary School in Columbus, have gained recognition for their podcast titled Careers Kids Consider. The project was named a finalist in the NPR Student Podcast Challenge.
Why it matters
The students launched this project to better understand adult career motivations and professional experiences through firsthand interviews. Their work highlights how young students are using digital media to engage with the professional world.
The production features two fifth grade students who conducted interviews with experts across three fields. The project remains a finalist in the NPR Student Podcast Challenge.
The players
Abigail Stettler
She is a fifth grade student at Barrington Elementary School who co-produced the podcast.
Zoey Nolan
She is a fifth grade student at Barrington Elementary School who co-produced the podcast.
Nichole Cooper
She serves as the principal at Barrington Elementary School.
Kimberly Stettler
She is a pediatrician at Nationwide Childrens Hospital.
Valerie Parker
She is a professor of veterinary medicine at Ohio State University.
The details
The students interviewed a principal, a pediatrician, and a veterinary professor to explore their professional journeys. These interviews were recorded to create the podcast Careers Kids Consider, which aims to provide insight into different career experiences.
Timeline
September 24, 2026: Podcast featured on South Carolina Public Radio.
Culture Shift
This project reflects the broader rise of student-led digital journalism promoted by the NPR Student Podcast Challenge. It demonstrates a shift in how primary school students access and document information about the professional landscape.
This achievement brings recognition to Barrington Elementary School and highlights the capabilities of Columbus students. It may inspire other young residents to pursue their own digital media or research projects.
The takeaway
Student-led media projects offer unique insights into how children perceive the workforce and their own future career paths. Encouraging students to conduct direct interviews can bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world professional experiences.
Further reading
For more stories on innovative classroom projects, explore our section on Primary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by South Carolina Public Radio.
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Do you believe early career exposure programs in elementary schools are beneficial for students?
