8th grade student Carson Collins from Austin, TX won 1st Prize for his documentary about the Chinese Communist Party funding of courses taught in U.S. universities , “Confucius Institutes: Education or Espionage?” As a 1st Prize winner, Carson has won $3,000 in prize money.
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. This year students were asked to create a 5-6 minute long video exploring the issue they most want the president and new Congress to address in 2021.
C-SPAN is funded by America’s cable and satellite television companies, who also support StudentCam. In Austin, C-SPAN is available locally through Spectrum.
“Spectrum is committed to strengthening the communities where we live and work through unique educational programs like C-SPAN’s StudentCam competition,” said Adam Falk, Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs for Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of TV, internet, mobile and voice services. “These students have not only adapted to the numerous educational challenges this year, but have risen above those difficulties to create thought provoking documentaries. Charter would like to congratulate Carson and all the recipients on receiving this honor.”
More Information:
- Press Release: Austin Student Wins Prize in C-SPAN Video Documentary Competition (Google Doc)
StudentCam 2021 First Prize: "Confucius Institutes: Education or Espionage?"
Congratulatory Messages and Recognition
Texas Governor Greg Abbott – Congratulatory Message
Senator Ted Cruz – Congratulatory Message
University of Manitoba Professor Terry Russell – Congratulatory Message
Texas State Board of Education Member Rebecca Bell-Metereau – Congratulatory Message
Texas State Senator Sarah Eckhardt – Congratulatory Message
National Association of Scholars Director of Policy Rachelle Peterson – Congratulatory Message
Texas State Representative Donna Howard – Congratulatory Message
Carson wins $3,000 in prize money for his win
Pictured: Carson Collins
Austin, TX Council Member Paige Ellis - Congratulatory Letter
C-SPAN Founder Brian Lamb and co-President Susan Swain present Carson with a Certificate of Special Recognition
