National Civics Bee
Calling All Middle School Students
The Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is proud to host the National Civics Bee®, a nonpartisan civics competition designed to inspire middle school students to engage in civics and make a difference in their communities.
Open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students across the Fredericksburg region, the National Civics Bee® challenges participants to showcase their civics knowledge while developing ideas to strengthen their local communities.
Students will compete for recognition and cash prizes, with top finalists earning the opportunity to advance to the National Civics Bee® Championship in Washington, D.C., in Fall 2026.
By bringing this program to our region, the Fredericksburg Regional Chamber of Commerce is helping cultivate the next generation of informed, engaged leaders.
Write an Essay
Students respond to a 4-question essay prompt proposing ideas to improve their communities.
Regionals
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.
States
The top 3 winners from each regional competition advance to the State Finals, taking place from early June through July.
Nationals
One finalist from each state receives a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for big prizes at the National Championship in the Fall.
Connect With Us
Essay Deadline February 3rd, 2026
Eligibility
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 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.
Deadlines
Resources
Judging Criteria
- 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.
Additional Information
The Chamber Foundation partners with chambers of commerce across the country to host regional and state bees. Study guides, quizzes, and support materials are produced in collaboration with the Bill of Rights Institute.