The National Civics Bee
Calling all 6th, 7th & 8th graders!
Share your ideas and flex your civics knowledge in 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 is 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. State Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC, to compete in the National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2026.
The Eastern Kentucky Region includes: Breathitt, Clay, Estill, Floyd, Harlan, Jackson, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, 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.
Regional Finalist
1st Place: $500 cash prize
2nd Place: $250 cash prize
3rd Place: $125 cash prize
State Finalist
1st Place: $1,000 cash prize
2nd Place: $500 cash prize
3rd Place: $250 cash prize
National Finalist
1st Place: $100,000 (529 plan)
2nd Place: $25,000 cash prize
3rd Place: $15,000 cash prize
Phase 1 - Essays
NOW - February 3, 2026
Submit your Essay
Phase 2 - Regional Competition
April 2026
The top 10 essays compete in the Regional Competition at the Mountain Arts Center.
Phase 3 - State Competition
August 2026 (tentative)
The top three finalists from the six Regional Competitions compete in the State Competition at the Kentucky State Fair.
Phase 4 - National Competition
Fall 2026
How to Enter
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Eastern Kentucky with an idea about using 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.
Â
Students Submit Your Essays
Phase 1 begins September 8, 2025, as the essay submission portal opens. Submissions close February 3, 2026 at 11:59 pm.
Submit by February 3, 2026
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.
Eastern Kentucky Regional Competition Sponsors
Regional Partners
