StudentCam Documentary Competition

StudentCam is C‑SPAN’s annual national video documentary competition that challenges students to create short documentaries on a public policy topic related to the federal government. Each year, C‑SPAN announces a specific theme or guiding question (often tied to current national issues), and students research, script, film, and edit a 5–6 minute documentary that incorporates C‑SPAN video footage along with their own original content. The contest is open to U.S. middle and high school students in grades 6–12, who may enter individually or in teams. Submissions are uploaded online, making participation accessible from anywhere in the United States. Winners receive cash prizes and national recognition, and many selected documentaries are aired on C‑SPAN. Through the process, students develop skills in research, critical thinking, media literacy, storytelling, and civic engagement while building a portfolio piece that can strengthen college and scholarship applications.