National Civics Bee Local Level Compition!

MArch 2025 at the jamestown settlement

ABOUT THE BEE

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host the Civics Bee, a civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2026.

How it works

Start with an essay to enter the 2026 National Civics Bee® nationalcivicsbee.org

If selected, you will be invited to participate in a live competition near you. Finalists at regional competitions advance to state competitions, and finalists at state competitions advance to the National Championship in Washington, D.C.!

Prizes include cash awards, trophies, recognition, and a $100,000 contribution to a 529 plan for the National Champion. In 2026, if you win your state competition, your school could receive a $5,000 donation.

Students who participate in the National Civics Bee strengthen their civics, writing, and public speaking skills, and form friendships with other young leaders along the way.

Write an essay proposing your ideas for improving your community.

• Use the 2026 Essay Application Guide to find this year’s official prompt, judging rubric, writing tips, and submission instructions.

• Read the Contest Rules. Public, private, charter, and homeschool students in grades 6–8 who reside in participating states are eligible.

Submit your essay by February 3, 2026.

• You’ll need permission from a parent or guardian to apply.

• Create an account for the online application portal: https://my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site/ NationalCivicsBee2026

• Submit your essay application by 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (Hawaii Standard Time).

What if you’re chosen to advance?

You’ll be invited to compete at the nearest live bee. The winners of each round advance to the next, and the winner from each state competition receives a paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Championship in Fall 2026.

To help prepare, finalists receive a special study guide and complimentary access to Khanmigo®, Khan Academy’s AI-powered online tutor.

CONTEST RULES

The National Civics Bee Official Contest Rules govern the competition to ensure fairness and integrity. Please note the following eligibility
requirements:

• Be a student in grades six through eight at the time of Entry (defined below in the section entitled “Entry Procedure”);

• Be the sole author of their Entry – no group entries, entries written by parents, or entries generated by artificial intelligence will be accepted;

• Submit their Entry in the English language;

• Submit a new, unique Entry, if they’ve participated in any National Civics Bee contests held in 2024 or before;

• Agree to all National Civics Bee Rules;

• Have not previously won first place at the National Civics Bee National Championship; and

• Not be an Immediate Family Member of, or reside in the household of, a judge participating in any round of the 2025 National Civics Bee competition (a “Judge”). For purposes of these Essay Round Rules, “Immediate Family Member” means a parent, legal guardian, spouse, child, or sibling.

Regional PRIZES

First Place: $500 cash prize

Second Place: $250 cash prize

Third Place: $125 cash prize 

STATE PRIZES

First Place: $1,000 cash prize + A Potential $5,000 donation to your school!

Second Place: $500 cash prize 

Third Place: $250 cash prize

NATIONAL PRIZES

First Place: $1000,000 529 Plan Contribution

Second Place: $25,000 Cash Prize

Third Place: $15,000 Cash Prize

WHY CIVICS?

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce is participating in the National Civics Bee® because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in Virginia and celebrating our civic pride.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Are you interested in showcasing your company's commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available corporate sponsorships, please contact Vice President of Communications & Programming, Lauren Moore at laurenmoore@williamsburgchamber.com

All contributions to the Civics Bee are made through the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. While your sponsorship may be tax-deductible, we recommend consulting with your tax advisor to determine the deductibility of your contribution.