C-Span StudentCam Competition

StudentCam is C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to think critically about issues that affect our communities and our nation.

In this coming bicentennial year celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, we are  asking students in grades 6-12 to create a short (5:00-6:00 minute) video documentary on either a historical or contemporary topic that relates to the competition theme:

America’s 250th Anniversary

Exploring the American Story through the Declaration of Independence

Students are asked to create a 5- to 6-minute documentary that explores the enduring impact of the Declaration of Independence by examining:

(1) its influence on a key moment from America’s 250-year history

or

(2) how the values stated in the foundational document touch on a contemporary issue impacting you or your community.

Competition Requirements

The submission deadline for all entries is Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

All Grades from 6-12

This annual competition is open to all students in grades 6-12. Grades 6-8 compete in the Middle School category, and grades 9-12 compete in the High School category.

For more information about the prize divisions, visit our Prizes page.

Compete individually/teams

Students may compete individually, or in teams of either 2 or 3 members.

Should your documentary win a prize, the awarded dollar amount will be split evenly among the students responsible for the production of the documentary.

Clips Of C-Span Footage

Documentaries must include clips of C-SPAN video that relate to the chosen topic.

Consider using short video clips that provide historical background, additional context, or supporting and opposing ideas related to your topic.

Requirements:

My/our topic clearly relates to the 2026 StudentCam theme,

“America’s 250th Anniversary” Exploring the American Story through the Declaration of Independence

Students are asked to create a 5- to 6-minute documentary that explores the enduring impact of the Declaration of Independence by examining:

1.  its influence on a key moment from America’s 250-year history

- or -

2.  how the values stated in the foundational document touch on a contemporary issue impacting you or your community.

My/our documentary was created by 1-3 people. (A documentary created by more than 3 members will be disqualified. Teachers and adults may provide general guidance but may not actively participate in the production.

My/our documentary contains several clips of C-SPAN video footage with supporting or opposing viewpoints, historical or background context, and/or b-roll footage that relate to my chosen topic.

My/our documentary explores multiple sides of my chosen topic, including those that may oppose my/our points of view.

My/our documentary is free of violent or offensive content (images and language).

My/our documentary is between 5:00 6:00 in length. Eligible documentariesmust be at least 5:00 minutes in length, or must conclude by the 6:00 minute mark. (End credits may begin after the 5:00 mark, and end credits are permitted to run beyond the 6:00 minute documentary time limit)

My/our documentary contains either end credits or a submitted works cited list. (Works cited lists may be uploaded and submitted with your Entry Form, or submitted via email to educate@c-span.org)

Submit your video by 11:59pm PST by the end of the day on Tuesday, January 20, 2026.

Other Considerations: (highly recommended to enhance your documentary, but not required.)

My/our documentary features interviews with topical experts, elected officials, and/or people directly impacted by my chosen documentary topic. Make sure to identify who is speaking, and their title, if applicable.

My/our documentary features supporting b-roll footage related to my documentary. B-Roll footage can be anything related to the topic you are discussing and is used to add additional visual interest, or provide additional visual context.

My/our documentary features copyright-free music that doesn’t overpower interviews or voiceovers. Make sure to reduce volume of background music when people are speaking - the information being presented is of higher importance than any background music.

My/our documentary features narration. Consider recording yourself speaking on camera but if you are uncomfortable doing that, audio narration can really help tie the various elements of your documentary together. You must write your own scripts to avoid plagiarism, and while you may certainly use sources from your research to inform your narration, you must put that information in your own words.