Students at Montwood High School did not realize that when the 45-foot, bright yellow C-SPAN bus rolled into their school, over a million dollars worth of television production equipment was parked in the parking lot. But C-SPAN was bringing them something more valuable – knowledge and a call to action.

“It was interesting to see the production bus,” says Montwood senior Alexandra Kelley. “I think it’s nice that they care enough to educate us about what it is that they do.”

The network’s community outreach vehicle, which travels 11 months of the year, made its way to Montwood High on Feb. 7. And for a few hours, government and history students were able to tour the mobile production studio and demonstration center while learning about the network’s philosophy, critical viewing techniques and programming information.

“I’ve been doing this for about two and a half years,” says Heath Neiderer, C-SPAN Marketing Rep. “Over the last two years, due to the Iraq war, a lot of the younger adults are more involved and are more informed. And that’s good. I think they understand that our network is a little different after they see our presentation.”

The 15-minute presentation, given to students 12 at a time, touches on C-SPAN’s commercial-free coverage of the United States’ House of Representatives and Senate and how they are funded as a public service by the cable industry.

“If it wasn’t for the cable industry, we wouldn’t be here,” Neiderer says. “Our gavel-to-gavel coverage tells a lot of what we’re trying to do. When students turn 18, C-SPAN is a great way for them to follow politicians that go to Washington DC. After all they represent them and they spend their money.”

Montwood history teacher Carlos Canales was glad students were encouraged to stay informed.

“I think this has to appeal to students,” he says. “Math and science are important but so is history and government. Especially with today’s current events, students need to get informed and get involved. C-SPAN is a good tool for them to do just that.”

And although Montwood senior Davey Aves was quite impressed with all that happens behind the scenes for us to get the news, he does agree young adults his age need to stay on top of current events.

“It makes me want to see C-SPAN more often so I can be more informed than what I am now,” he says. “I just catch bits here and there. But they say it’s gavel to gavel coverage, so I’m getting left out of the loop quite a bit.”