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. 2023 marked the 19th year of the competition and we invited middle and high school students to create a short documentary addressing the theme: “If you were a newly elected member of Congress, which issue would be your first priority and why?”
9th grade students Townsend Kato, Jeremiah Estrada-Ramos, & Jacob Churchill from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in California won 2nd Prize for their documentary on affordable housing, “Reviving the American Dream.” As 2nd Prize winners, duo will receive $1,500 in prize money.
C-SPAN is funded by America’s cable and satellite television companies, who also support StudentCam. In Long Beach, C-SPAN is available locally through Spectrum.
““At Spectrum, we understand the importance of investing in programs that make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve,” said Adam Falk, Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs for Charter Communications, which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity services. “By encouraging young adults to explore important issues through video, C-SPAN’s StudentCam competition helps empower future generations to become active and informed citizens. We congratulate Jacob, Townsend and Jeremiah for the exemplary production skills and the passion and creativity they demonstrated through their winning documentary.”
PRESS:
- Press Release: Long Beach Students Win Top Prizes in C-SPAN Video Documentary Competition (Google Doc)
- Article: Poly High School students win prizes in national documentary competition (Press-Telegram)
StudentCam 2023 Second Prize High School West: "Reviving the American Dream"
Congratulatory Messages and Recognition


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