Does your program need some money?
Would your students like $5,000?
Would your school and community get excited if your students’ work was aired on C-SPAN?
Of course! There is a free annual documentary contest that can make this a reality.
As journalism educators, we constantly seek meaningful, real-world projects that challenge students to research, think critically, and communicate effectively. StudentCam offers exactly that. It is a chance for middle and high schoolers to produce a short documentary, dig into important social or historical issues, and learn the journalistic skills of research, fairness, sourcing, and storytelling.
C-SPAN hosts the contest each year for students in grades 6-12. They give out more than $100,000 in prizes to students and advisers. Students can work alone or in teams of two or three.
What the Entry Requires
The documentary must be between 5 and 6 minutes (not including end credits). If using credits, they must begin after the 5-minute mark-credits can run longer than 6 minutes.
The film must include clips from C-SPAN programming relevant to the topic. Use of other media (music, images, B-roll, graphics) is allowed, but those must be legally used (copyright-free or under fair use) and properly cited.
Students are encouraged (and often expected) to interview experts, elected officials, or people affected by their subject matter, and present multiple perspectives, even ones they might disagree with. If they choose to express their personal view, they are welcome to do so, but the video should still offer a fair, nuanced exploration.
The entry must include end credits or a works-cited list for any non-C-SPAN sources used (video, images, music, data, etc.)
Students may submit individually or in groups of up to three. If a team wins, the prize money is split equally.
For the current cycle, that deadline is 11:59 pm Pacific Standard Time on January 20, 2026.
You can see the official rules and past winners at studentcam.org/
Why StudentCam Is a Valuable Project for Students
Real-world relevance: Students pick issues that matter to them. They choose either historical topics tied to the contest theme, or contemporary issues affecting their community. It gives them a purpose-driven outlet for research and storytelling.
Creativity and technical learning: Because the format is a documentary, students explore multimedia by gathering B-roll, editing, mixing video clips, writing narration or voice-over, using graphics or still images.
Accessible & inclusive: Many students don’t need fancy equipment. A smartphone, tablet, or basic digital camera often suffices, and free editing tools are available.
Motivation & recognition: With cash prizes for students (and even for teacher advisers for top entries), and the possibility that top documentaries will be aired on C-SPAN, the contest provides real external validation. C-SPAN values showcasing students in their communities. They visit schools and conduct formal award presentations for the winners.
Written By: AJ Chambers
