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. The competition, now in its 18th year, invited all middle and high school students to enter by producing a short documentary asking students to explore a federal policy or program and address the theme: “How does the federal government impact your life?”
9th grade students Caden Kawamura & Emerson LaPorta from Long Beach Polytechnic High School in California won 2nd Prize for their documentary on the Department of Housing and Urban Development and efforts to address homelessness, “No Silver Bullet.” The two will share $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.
“Through C-SPAN’s StudentCam competition, young adults can explore and draw attention to issues central to community growth, which aligns with Spectrum’s focus to support and strengthen the towns and cities where we live and work,” said Adam Falk, Senior Vice President, State Government Affairs for Charter Communications, which operates the Spectrum brand of Internet, TV, Mobile and Voice services. “We applaud Caden, Emerson and all of the winning students on the creativity they have demonstrated in their outstanding documentaries.”
More Information:
- Press Release: Long Beach Students Win Prizes in C-SPAN Video Documentary Competition (Google Doc)
- Infographic: Caden Kawamura & Emerson LaPorta (JPEG)
StudentCam 2022 Second Prize: "No Silver Bullet"
Congratulatory Messages and Recognition

Representative Alan Lowenthal presents Caden & Emerson with a Certificate of Special Recognition

Long Beach Mayor Dr. Robert Garcia presents Caden & Emerson with a Certificate of Special Recognition

C-SPAN Founder Brian Lamb and co-President Susan Swain present Caden & Emerson with a Certificate of Special Recognition

The duo will share $1,500 for winning 2nd Prize
Written by studentcam
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