2026 National Civics Bee

The CBIA Foundation for Economic Growth and Opportunity is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and regional chambers of commerce again in 2026 to support the National Civics Bee. 

The foundation will host the National Civics Bee Connecticut State Finals in conjunction with local partners following the local competitions.

Other partners include the Connecticut Department of Education, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, and the Connecticut Education Association.

About the Competition

The foundation believes informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce. 

The 2026 National Civics Bee encourages young Americans in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. 

The competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, gives students the chance to win recognition and earn cash prizes by sharing ideas for improving their communities and showing their enthusiasm for civics. 

The winner of the Connecticut state finals will receive a trip to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee national championship in the fall of 2026.  

How It Works

The National Civics Bee competition takes place in multiple phases: 

• Essay Round: Middle school students can enter the local Civics Bee by submitting a 750-word max essay addressing a community issue, proposing a solution, and incorporating founding principles and civic virtues.
• Local Civics Bee: Judges will review each essay and select ten finalists to compete in a live local Civics Bee. The in-person local competitions will feature two quiz rounds of civics questions followed by an essay question-and-answer with judges.
• Connecticut State Finals: The top three winners from each local competition will compete in an in-person Civics Bee. Similar to the local round, students will participate in two quiz rounds, followed by an essay presentation. 
• National Championship: The winner of the state competition will represent Connecticut at the 2026 National Civics Bee in the fall of 2026 in Washington, D.C.

Who Is Eligible?

Connecticut students registered in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade at any public, private, or home school institution at the time of entry are eligible to participate in the competition. 

How to Enter 

Students should review the contest rules and essay guide and apply online through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Students can also apply directly with their closest participating chamber of commerce. 

Students who have made their way to the state competition, should review the code of conduct and contest rules.

Additional Resources

• Essay Guide
• National Civics Bee 2025 Connecticut State Finals 
• 2026 National Civics Bee Contest Rules–Essay Round

Prizes

Finalists who participate in each round of the competition will be eligible for recognition and cash prizes. 

Local Civics Bee: Each local finalist will receive a participation certificate. There will be one third place winner receiving a trophy and $125, one second place winner receiving a trophy and $250, and one first place winner receiving a trophy and $500.

Connecticut State Finals: Each state finalist will receive a participation certificate. There will be one third place winner receiving a trophy and $250, one second place winner receiving a trophy and $500, and one first place winner receiving a trophy and $1,000.

National Championship: Each national finalist will receive a participation certificate and financial prize.

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Companies interested in getting involved should contact Stacey Vendetta.