The 2026 National Civics Bee® Championship brings finalists from 50 states, D.C., and American Samoa to our nation's capital to test their civics knowledge, skills, and disposition as they compete for big prizes.
The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that inspires young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. As they compete for a spot in the National Championship, sixth, seventh, and eighth graders from across the country showcase their civics knowledge and skills, winning prizes and recognition along the way.
The National Civics BeeAt a Glance
Entries from approximately 20,000 students.
Competitors advanced through regional and state bees that took place through July.
One finalist from each state receives a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete at the National Championship in October.
Watch the National Civics Bee Championship live on C-SPAN on October 14 to cheer on finalists representing 50 states, D.C., and American Samoa. Learn More
Spotlight
Thank You to Our Sponsors
The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Andrew Carnegie Foundation, Fisher Global Foundation, Ibis Group, The Anschutz Foundation, Walter Scott Family Foundation, Wilson Garling Foundation, Pace Promotion, Britebound, College Board, and other funders. We are also grateful for our content and research partners, including the Bill of Rights Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Education Institute for Education Policy, and Khan Academy.
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Profile
Using Civic Engagement to Expand Food Access
After learning about the National Civics Bee® from her history teacher, Nina entered the competition in Connecticut with two friends and proposed a solution to address food insecurity: a community-based grocery store model designed to serve food deserts. What began as a school opportunity quickly became a way for Nina to connect her interest in civic life with an issue she cared deeply about. She thought it
The 2026 Championship will take place on Oct. 14, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
How do I watch the National Civics Bee Championship?
The 2026 National Civics Bee Championship will take place at 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 14, in Washington, D.C., and will be broadcast LIVE on C-SPAN, live-streamed on C-SPAN.org and YouTube.
How are finalists chosen?
To enter the 2026 National Civics Bee, students in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades submitted essays describing how they would improve their communities through civics. The top-scoring entrants advanced to a regional bee designed to test their civics knowledge during two rounds of civics quiz questions and a Q&A with a distinguished panel of judges. Regional winners advanced to their state’s finals, taking place through July. The first-place winner from each state final receives a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship.
Who runs the National Civics Bee?
Organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee is an annual nonpartisan civics competition for middle schoolers that increases civics knowledge, skills, and disposition among young Americans, their families, and communities. The U.S. Chamber Foundation partners with chambers of commerce and organizations across the country to host regional and state bees. Study guides, quizzes, and support materials are produced in collaboration with the Bill of Rights Institute.
The competition is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Andrew Carnegie Foundation, Citizen Travelers, Fisher Global Foundation, Ibis Group, The Anschutz Foundation, Walter Scott Family Foundation, Wilson Garling Foundation, and other funders.
How can I sponsor the National Civics Bee?
Individuals, companies, and organizations interested in supporting the National Civics Bee may learn more about donating here.
Event Details
Wednesday, Oct. 14 | 8:00 p.m. ET
Live on C-SPAN and YouTube
Jerry O’Connell
Emmy-Nominated Actor
1st Place
$100,000 529 plan contribution
2nd Place
$25,000
3rd Place
$15,000
Each finalist who participates in the 2026 National Civics Bee Championship will receive a certificate commemorating their participation.
Want to enter the 2027 Bee?
The online application portal for the 2027 National Civics Bee opened Monday, September 7, 2026, and will close on Tuesday, February 2, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
