Regional Civics Bee - Essay Deadline
Tuesday, February 3, 2026
Description
Students - Click HERE to begin your essay! Deadline is February 3rd.
What it is:
A national, nonpartisan civics competition for middle school students (grades 6–8) designed to boost civic knowledge, leadership skills, and real-world civic engagement. It’s run by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Civic Trust initiative and partners with local/state chambers across the country.
How it works:
Students start by submitting a 500-word essay proposing a civic solution for their community. The Civic Trust®
Local and regional bees may include live quiz rounds and Q&A segments.
Winners advance from local → state → national levels.
Purpose:
The Bee exists to improve civic literacy, encourage active citizenship, and get young people thinking about community solutions, not just memorizing facts. U.S. Chamber Foundation
Cost & Access:
Entry is free and open to students in public, private, charter, or homeschool settings. The Civic Trust®
Prizes & Recognition:
Students can earn recognition, cash awards, and major scholarships, including a $100,000 education savings prize for the national champion.
Recent developments:
The program has expanded to all 50 states ahead of America’s 250th anniversary, reaching tens of thousands of students. U.S. Chamber Foundation
Bottom line:
It’s not just a quiz—it’s a civics movement aimed at making civic understanding and engagement part of how young people see their role in the community. U.S. Chamber Foundation
The Hermantown Area Chamber of Commerce is excited to partner with the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a regional competition for the National Civics Bee for middle school students in grades 6-8.
Important Deadlines / Process
*February 3rd: Deadline for students to submit their essay identifying an opportunity, problem or challenge in the community, steps to make change and find ways to bring this idea to life. Click Here to Enter
*April 23rd: Twenty students from Greater Minnesota will be selected from the essay submissions to participate in our Regional Civics Bee at the Hermantown Middle School Auditorium on a Thursday evening in April – final date TBA.
*June 14th: One student from the Regional Civics Bee will participate in the MN State Civics Bee.
*November: National Civics Bee
*Dates are subject to change
Materials: 2026-Student-Flyer-New.pdf Civic Bee Educator-Toolkit Student Essay Guide
Local Contact: Frances Wittenberg | frances@hermantownchamber.com | 218.729.6843
