National Civics Bee competition open to middle school students

Published 11:52 am Tuesday, November 18, 2025

Middle school students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades from public, private, charter, and home schools across South King County are invited to apply for the 2026 National Civics Bee, a nonpartisan competition created and organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Students begin by submitting a four-paragraph essay proposing ideas to improve their communities, and the top-scoring essay finalists will be invited to a live quiz competition in their state, according to a Nov. 11 Kent Chamber of Commerce media release.

Finalists who advance to live quiz competitions at the regional, state and national levels have the chance to win prizes and represent their communities. They also strengthen their civics, writing, and public speaking skills, and form friendships with other young leaders along the way, according to the media release.

The first-place winner of the Kent State Finals will earn a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Championship in fall 2026. Finalists who advance to the National Championship will compete for cash prizes, national recognition, and a $100,000 529 education savings plan contribution.

Because of the generous support of the Fisher Global Foundation, the first-place winner in each state may also secure a $5,000 donation for their school.

In the 2025 competition, Kent Chamber of Commerce’s local and state finalist, Maanha Nasir, of Snoqualmie, proudly represented the Kent community at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., where she earned an impressive third-place finish among competitors from across the country.

Sara Akmel, of Mill Creek Middle School in Kent, took second place to Nasir in the National Civics Bee Washington State Championship. Akmel received a $500 cash prize in the final round competition that featured 15 middle school students from across the state June 21 at the Olympia High School Performing Arts Center, according to an Association of Washington Business press release.

Educators, youth leaders, and parents are encouraged to share this opportunity with their middle school students. Educator and student resources are available to help students craft and submit their essays. To access these resources, visit https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/ncb-how-it-works/.

The application portal is open now through Feb. 3, 2026.

Students can apply at https://my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site/NationalCivicsBee2026.

“The Civics Bee is one of the most impactful programs we offer because it empowers young people to see themselves as leaders and changemakers in their communities,” said Zenovia Harris, CEO of the Kent Chamber of Commerce. “By encouraging students to engage with civic issues and share their ideas, we’re not just supporting education—we’re building the next generation of informed, active citizens who will shape the future of Kent and beyond.”

For more information about entering the National Civics Bee, visit nationalcivicsbee.org.