C-Span StudentCam Competition

Scholarship Sponsored by C-Span

Overview

StudentCam is C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to analyze and document issues affecting communities and the nation. For this midterm election year the competition theme is “Mr. Speaker, I Rise To…,” asking students to imagine themselves as a newly elected member of Congress and to present the issue they would address in their first legislative speech. Entries must be short documentaries that explain why the issue was chosen, consider multiple perspectives, and propose potential solutions. The competition aims to develop research, media production, and critical thinking skills among middle and high school students.

Description: Create a 5:00–6:00 minute documentary from the perspective of a newly elected member of Congress addressing a chosen issue.

• Annual national documentary competition for grades 6–12.
• Theme: “Mr. Speaker, I Rise To…”
• Focus on issue selection, viewpoints, and solutions.

Eligibility

The competition is open to all students in grades 6 through 12. Students in grades 6–8 compete in the Middle School category, while students in grades 9–12 compete in the High School category. Both in-school and out-of-school groups that meet the grade requirements may enter, provided submission rules are followed. Teachers and mentors are encouraged to support student teams during research and production.

Eligibility: Open to students in grades 6–12 with distinct Middle and High School categories.

• Grades 6–8: Middle School category.
• Grades 9–12: High School category.
• Individual and team entries accepted.

Team Structure and Prize Distribution

Students may enter the competition as individuals or in teams of two or three members. If a documentary wins a prize, the awarded amount is divided evenly among the credited student producers. Teams should clearly identify contributors and responsibilities in their submission materials to ensure fair distribution and credit. Collaboration is encouraged, but all team members must meet the competition’s grade eligibility requirements.

Team size and prize distribution: Individual entries or teams of two to three; any monetary award is split evenly among credited students.

• Enter as an individual or a team (2–3 members).
• Prize money is split evenly among team members.
• List contributors and roles in submission materials.

C-SPAN Footage Requirements

Documentaries must include clips of C-SPAN video that are relevant to the chosen topic. Use short clips to provide historical context, illustrate contrasting perspectives, or support factual claims made in the documentary. Non-C-SPAN video and background music must be cited appropriately; C-SPAN footage is a required element of entries. Thoughtful integration of C-SPAN material strengthens evidence and demonstrates effective use of primary-source media.

Required footage: Include relevant C-SPAN clips to support context, viewpoints, or historical background.

• C-SPAN clips are mandatory in each documentary.
• Use clips to add context or illustrate differing perspectives.
• Cite all non-C-SPAN media used in the production.

Viewpoints and Interviews

Winning entries thoroughly explore a variety of viewpoints related to the chosen topic, including perspectives that differ from the filmmakers’ own. Filmmakers may present a personal point of view but should also include opposing arguments and expert commentary to provide balance. Interviews with topical experts are highly recommended to deepen analysis and credibility. The documentary should clearly contextualize differing opinions and evaluate potential solutions.

Viewpoints: Present multiple perspectives, including opposing views, and incorporate expert interviews where possible.

• Explore a range of perspectives, not just the filmmakers’ views.
• Include expert interviews to strengthen analysis.
• Balance personal perspective with opposing arguments.

Documentary Length

Each entry must be between 5:00 and 6:00 minutes in length; documentaries outside this range will be disqualified. End credits may begin after the 5:00 mark and are permitted to extend beyond the 6:00 maximum, but the substantive documentary content must adhere to the 5:00–6:00 window. Filmmakers should plan pacing and editing to ensure key points and evidence fit within the required duration. Precise timing is a compliance requirement for judging and eligibility.

Length requirement: The documentary must run at least 5:00 minutes and no more than 6:00 minutes, excluding extended end credits.

• Required runtime: 5:00–6:00 minutes.
• Entries outside this range will be disqualified.
• End credits may start after 5:00 and run beyond 6:00 if needed.

Citations

All entries must include end credits or a works cited list that documents sources used in research and production. Students may use the citation format they currently employ at school, but every piece of information, background music, and video (other than C-SPAN footage) must be clearly cited and linked where applicable. Proper citation supports transparency and allows judges and viewers to verify sources. Clear attribution also demonstrates scholarly rigor in media production.

Citations: Include end credits or a works cited list with clear attribution and links for all non-C-SPAN sources and media.

• End credits or works cited list required.
• Cite all research sources, music, and non-C-SPAN media.
• Provide links where possible for source verification.