ABOUT THE CONTEST
STN Nationals is your moment to showcase the incredible work you’ve created in your school’s broadcast or film program. Whether it’s a compelling story, a powerful documentary, or a creative short film, this is your opportunity to shine on a national stage and celebrate the best of student storytelling.
Schools may enter two submissions per category at $25/each. Some categories will offer high school divisions based on a program’s experience level. No entries from a previous STN contests may be submitted. Entries are eligible if produced and aired between August 1, 2025 - April 16, 2026. The deadline is April 16, 2026 at 5PM PT. Winners in each category receive awards and recognition on all STN social media and the STN website.
Each entry will be scored and provided a critique by a professional who will offer their expert opinion and feedback, based on years of work experience in the TV/Film industry. All contest divisions will attempt to award a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place, and if applicable up to two honorable mentions. If the entries in a category do not meet the criteria, the judges may elect to award less or no awards at all. Winners in each category receive awards and recognition on all STN social media and the STN website. Judging generally takes 3-4 weeks to be completed. Teachers will be notified 1-2 days before results are posted.
All questions and concerns about contests can be sent directly to shonda@studenttelevision.com.
** Refunds will not be granted after your registration has been submitted. Please plan accordingly. **
CONTEST DIVISIONS
High school divisions will be implemented in popular categories for the 2026 STN Nationals. Middle schools will continue to be one division.
High School programs will be placed in one of two divisions:
Division I (Legacy) - Level 5 or higher
Division II (Newcomer) - Level 4 or lower
To learn more about how division placement is determined, review the Contest Divisions page.