K-12 Outreach

National Civics Bee

The School of Civic Leadership partners with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan statewide civics competition each summer in Austin.

The National Civics Bee® encourages young Americans in grades 6-8 to explore issues in their communities, propose solutions, and compete for recognition and prizes.

National Civics Bee
OverviewCompetition Info2026 WinnersFAQs
Youth at podium and seated on stage in a civic event room with audience watching in large glass-window hall.

Informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce. Our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three.

The National Civics Bee encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

The competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, gives students the chance to share ideas for improving their communities and show their enthusiasm for civics.

The winner of the National Civics Bee® Texas State Finals will receive a trip to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee® national championship in the fall.

Person holding a clear star-shaped award for 2nd place in National Spelling Bee.
A diverse group of young women seated in red auditorium chairs, some smiling and attentive.
Smiling woman in Texas Civic Leadership shirt at National Civics Bee event registration table.

Info & Resources

Competition Info

Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Texas with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their essay to participate in one local competition in their state.

Visit www.nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources.

How it Works

Students compete in their local chamber of commerce competition. Three winners from each chamber advance to the state finals in Austin. The state winner represents Texas at the national competition in Washington, D.C.

Eligibility

Open to students in grades 6–8
Must reside in Texas
Participation begins with an essay submission

Resources & Additional Info:

For additional resources and information, check out the National Civics Bee website.

We Have Our 2026 Winners!

26 middle school students from across the state of Texas came to compete at the State Civics Bee. The event was hosted by the School of Civic Leadership and sponsored by the National Chamber of Commerce.

  • Selah Gruy  (Katy Chamber)
    First place/ $1000
  • Tanish Patil  (Metrocrest Chamber)
    Second place/ $500
  • Christine Alex  (Metrocrest Chamber)
    Third place/ $250
Three winners holding oversized checks and trophies at Texas Civic Leadership National Civics Bee event.

We Have Our 2025 Winners!

21 middle school students from across the state of Texas came to compete at the State Civics Bee. The event was hosted by the School of Civic Leadership and sponsored by the National Chamber of Commerce.

  • Rishi Tirumalasetty (Katy Chamber)
    First place/ $1000
  • Taashvi Wadhwa (Pearland Chamber)
    Second place/ $500
  • Alexander Wang  (Bryan/College Station Chamber)
    Third place/ $250
Smiling person holding a large $1,000 National Civics Bee check dated May 17, 2025 with Texas Civic Leadership backdrop.
Soft pink and purple pastel sky with gentle cloud streaks during sunset.

FAQs

Answers to Your Questions

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What is the National Civics Bee?

The National Civics Bee® is a nonpartisan competition for students in grades 6–8 that encourages them to explore issues in their communities, propose solutions, and compete for recognition and prizes. The School of Civic Leadership hosts the Texas state competition in Austin each summer in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Who can participate in the National Civics Bee?

Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Texas who has an idea for using civics to improve their community. Participation begins with an essay submission to one local competition in the state.

How does the competition work?

Students first compete in their local chamber of commerce competition. Three winners from each chamber advance to the state finals in Austin, and the state winner represents Texas at the National Civics Bee® national championship in Washington, D.C. in the fall.

How can my school or student get involved in the Civics Bee?

Students enter through their local chamber of commerce competition, starting with an essay submission. Applications open September 7, 2026 — visit the National Civics Bee® website for the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources including the Essay Guide and contest rules.

Visit nationalcivicsbee.org

What are the prizes?

At the Texas state finals, first place receives $1,000, second place $500, and third place $250. The state winner also earns a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the national championship.