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National Civics Bee®

Calling all middle school students!

Share your ideas and flex your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee®.

The Lousia County Chamber of Commerce, the Louisa Forward Foundation and the Louisa County Public Schools are partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan 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 2025.

Why Civics?

The Lousia County Chamber of Commerce and Louisa Forward Foundation 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 Louisa County, Virginia and celebrating our civic pride.

Competition Structure

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Essay

Students respond to a 4-question essay prompt proposing ideas to improve their communities. Applications open on September 8, 2025, at 6:01 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.

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Regional

Judges select finalists to advance to regional competitions to compete for trophies, prizes, and recognition. Regional competitions take place in-person between late March and late May.

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State

The top 3 winners from each regional competition advance to the State Finals, taking place from early June through July.

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National

One finalist from each state receives a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for big prizes at the National Championship in the Fall.

ELIGIBILTIY

The National Civics Bee® is open to all middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades to include public, private and homeschool. To be eligible to participate in the National Civics Bee®, an applicant (“Entrant”) must:

  • Be a student in grades six through eight at the time of entry;
  • Enter only one local chamber competition, which must be in their state of residence;
  • Be the sole author of their entry – no group entries or entries written by parents will be accepted;
  • Submit their entry in the English language;
  • Submit a new, unique entry, if they’ve participated in any past National Civics Bee® contests;
  • Agree to all National Civics Bee® Rules, including potentially attending the regional, state, and national competitions.

Immediate family members of Co-Sponsors and individuals residing in their householdsare not eligible entrants. There is no cost to enter the competition.

ESSAY CONTEST

All 6th, 7th or 8th grade students will write an essay with an idea about using civics to solve a problem in your community to enter the National Civics Bee®.

  1. Download and, review the 2026 Essay Guide.
  2. Complete the online submission form, including contact information for your parent or guardian.
  3. Write your essay and submit via the online portal by FEBRUARY 3, 2026.

JUDGING CRITERIA

Each essay will be evaluated by a panel of judges based on how well the students:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of civics.
  • Incorporate research and references to support your ideas. While formal citations are not required, you should provide enough information to show the sources of ideas and information.
  • Clearly describe an idea that is innovative or new to them.
  • Acknowledge and address at least one Founding Principle and one Civic Virtue.

The top twenty highest scores will be invited to participate in a live local competition of the National Civics Bee®, including quiz rounds and Q&A with judges about your essay.

Competition Details

Regional Competition

Essay winners compete in a 90-minute, in-person event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round. The top three winners receive cash prizes and advance to the State Finals.

Event Details

Thursday, April 16, 2026

Time:  TBA

Louisa County High School Alan Jackson Auditorium

Local Prizes

1st Place: $500 cash prize

2nd Place: $250 cash prize

3rd Place: $125 cash prize

State Competition

Local winners compete in their State Finals, another 90-minute live event featuring three rounds. The top three finalists receive cash prizes, and the winner advances to the national competition.

Event Details

TBA

The Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg

State Prizes

1st Place: $1,000 cash prize

2nd Place: $500 cash prize

3rd Place: $250 cash prize

National Competition

State champions receive a trip to Washington, DC to compete in the national-level competition hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Event Details

November 2026

Washington DC

National Prizes

1st Place: $100,000 529 plan

2nd Place: $25,000 cash prize

3rd Place: $15,000 cash prize

Thank You

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