The National Civics Bee
The National Civics Bee® is an annual competition sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
About the Bee
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, hosts a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th, and 8th graders flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Regional Finalists advance to the State Competition, and State Finalists advance to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2026.
The Southeastern Kentucky Region includes:
Bell, Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Magoffin Martin, Menifee, Morgan, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, and Wolfe counties.
Why Civics?
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber is participating in the National Civics Bee® because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, economy, and workforce and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we promote greater civic knowledge in Kentucky and celebrate our civic pride.
How to Enter
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student with an idea about how they can use civics to improve their community may submit their essay to participate in one local competition in their state. All essays must be submitted by Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Visit www.nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources.
Submit Your Essay
Phase 1 of the National Civics Bee begins September 8, 2025, as the essay submission portal opens. Submissions close February 3, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Essay Topic
For the 2026 National Civics Bee®, middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades must answer the following four questions in essay format:
Question 1: IDENTIFY a specific problem, challenge, or opportunity in your community. What is something in your school, neighborhood, or town that could be improved?
100 words minimum–150 words maximum paragraph
Question 2: DESCRIBE the steps you would take to make this change. What will you do to make a positive impact, and why does it matter?
1500 words minimum–200 words maximum paragraph
Question 3: FIND support to help bring the idea to life. Are there student groups, teachers, local businesses, community organizations, city leaders, or others that can help you with the solution?
100 words minimum–150 words maximum paragraph
Question 4: CONNECT your idea to the values that shaped our country. How does your idea reflect the Founding Principles and Civic Virtues of our country? Use examples from the Founding Principles and Civic Virtues to show how your idea reflects the responsibilities of citizenship.
150 words minimum–250 words maximum paragraph
Judging Criteria
Your essay will be evaluated based on how well you:
- 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 National Civics Bee® is an annual multi-phase competition beginning each fall.
Phase 1 - Essays Submission
- NOW - February 3, 2026
- Submit your essay online through the portal linked above.
Phase 2 - Regional Competition
- April 2026
- Top Essay Finalists compete at the Mountain Arts Center in Prestonsburg.
- 1st Place: $500 cash prize | 2nd Place: $250 cash prize | 3rd Place: $125 cash prize
Phase 3 - State Competition
- August 2026
- Top Regional Finalists from all six regions compete at the Kentucky State Fair in Louisville.
- 1st Place: $1,000 cash prize | 2nd Place: $500 cash prize | 3rd Place: $250 cash prize
Phase 4 - National Competition
- November 2026
- State Champions complete at the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC.
- 1st Place: $100,000 (529 plan) | 2nd Place: $25,000 cash prize | 3rd Place: $15,000 cash prize
Submit Your Essay by February 3, 2026
Southeastern Kentucky Regional Competition Sponsors
Regional Partners
