News and Events

November 11, 2025 – Sioux Falls, SD: Today, Midco proudly joins C-SPAN to invite middle and high school students to enter the 22nd StudentCam documentary competition. This year’s competition includes $100,000 in cash prizes and asks students to explore the American story through the Declaration of Independence.  

“With roots in the movie theater industry, radio and cable TV, Midco is a storytelling company, and there’s no more exciting story than the founding of America,” said Midco President and Chief Operating Officer Ben Dold. “We invite all students, teachers and administrators across the Midco footprint to help tell the inspiring story of America by participating in the 22nd StudentCam documentary competition.” 

Midco is promoting the contest by airing commercials on MidcoTV that reach thousands of families across the Midwest. 

The C-SPAN Education Foundation annually awards 150 students and 53 teachers cash prizes. The grand prize student winner will receive $5,000, and multiple cash prizes of $3,000, $1,500, $750 and $250 will be awarded to students in first, second and third places, as well as honorable mention categories. 

“C-SPAN is thrilled to include StudentCam in tandem with our America 250 programming that explores the American story,” said Craig McAndrew, director of C-SPAN Education Relations. “We look forward to seeing students explore the ideals of the Declaration of Independence, whether through a historical lens or in the context of contemporary issues that shape their lives and communities today.” 

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 Guidelines 

• Middle school students (grades 6–8) and high school students (grades 9–12) may compete individually or in teams composed of two or three members. 
• Documentaries must be the original work of students; however, teachers may provide guidance and critiques. 
• All documentaries must include C-SPAN video clips that support the chosen topic and are used effectively. 
• StudentCam documentaries should comprehensively represent a variety of viewpoints related to the chosen topic, including those that may oppose the filmmakers’ points of view. 
• Documentaries must be between 5 and 6 minutes in length. 
• Entries must include sources, either in the end credits or works cited list. 
• Video submissions and entry forms can be uploaded directly online at studentcam.org. 
• The deadline for students to submit entries is 11:59 p.m. PST, Tuesday, Jan. 20, 2026. 

The documentaries will be judged by a panel of C-SPAN representatives. Middle school students will be judged on a national basis. High school students will compete on a regional level, with the United States divided into three regions: West, Central and East. The grand prize winner with the best overall entry will be selected nationally from both middle and high school entries. 

Winners will be announced in March 2026, with the top winning videos to air on CSPAN in April 2026. Competition details are available at studentcam.org.