THE CABLE PIPELINE

C-SPAN, a private non-profit organization created by the Cable Television Industry as a public service, has created a great way for students in grades (6-8-Middle School) and (9-12-High School) to get involved on a national level by producing a 5-8 minute documentary on two topics.  The program is titled C-SPAN’s STUDENTCAM 2010, and students are presented with two topics which must include (One of our country’s greatest strengths), or (A challenge the country is facing). The documentary should include C-SPAN programming related to the topic, and end with credits and or a works cited list.

The competition is available for school districts throughout the United States, District of Columbia, or U.S Territory and lists a deadline of January 20, 2010 for qualified entries. In Teaching StudentCam, teachers can choose between two options listed under the Teaching StudentCam rules, acting as a StudentCam Advisor or having students work independently as an assignment in completing the project.

There are a total of 75 student and 11 teacher prizes totaling $50,000 including a Grand Prize of $5,000 for students, and $1,000 for teacher/school to purchase video equipment. Winners of 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd prizes may be aired on C-SPAN. All winners are eligible to have their videos appear on the StudentCam Winners website and will receive a certificate of recognition.

I have to commend Brian Lamb and the C-SPAN organization for their efforts in encouraging students to become involved in current U.S issues while creating a forum for students to use their creativity in producing something original and unique about our country. This program, funded solely from the C-SPAN Education Foundation is a great way for the Cable Television Industry to both encourage and highlight some of their community’s brightest students.

For more information on how to get involved visit C-SPAN STUDENTCAM/FAQ’S.