6th, 7th, and 8th Graders:
How can you make a difference in your community?
Start with an essay to the 2026 National Civics Bee®!
How It Works
Use the Essay Application Guide to write an essay proposing your ideas for improving your community.
The application portal opens here on September 8, 2025, at 6:01 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. Check back on September 8 to create an account and access the application form.
Submit your essay application online by February 3, 2026.
Finalists will be notified by March 8, 2026.
- Top-scoring essay finalists are invited to compete at a Regional Bee and State Final in March through July 2026.
- The top winner from each state receives a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship.
Prizes
Finalists compete for trophies, recognition, cash and other prizes.
National
Championship
1st Place
$100,000*
529 plan contribution
2nd Place
$25,000*
3rd Place
$15,000*
State Bees
1st Place
$1,000*
(plus a potential $5,000** donation to your school!)
2nd Place
$500*
3rd Place
$250*
Local Bees
1st Place
$500*
2nd Place
$250*
3rd Place
$125*
*Amounts shown are the anticipated minimums to be awarded. All amounts are cash prizes except as indicated above. Finalists for each round should reference their respective Contest Rules for full prize information.
**Full details on the entry procedure are described in the Contest Rules, which will be available September, 2025 upon contest opening
