Get Ready for the 2026 State Civics Bee in Austin!

The 2026 National Civics Bee® invites students in grades 6–8 to explore an issue in their community, propose a solution, and compete for recognition and prizes.

The state competition will be hosted by The School of Civic Leadership at The University of Texas at Austin on June 6, 2026 at 1:00PM CT at Crum Auditorium in Robert Rowling Hall on the UT Austin’s campus (300 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Austin, TX 78705).

During the live event, contestants will answer 20 multiple-choice civics questions, and finalists will present their essay ideas to a panel of judges.

PRIZES: At our Statewide competition, the 3rd place winner will receive $250, the 2nd place winner will receive $500, and the 1st place winner will receive $1,000.

JUDGES:

Chief Justice Scott Brister,  Fifteenth Court of Appeals

Honorable Don Willett, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

Stacy Hock, Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board

EMCEE:

Richard Albert, The University of Texas at Austin School of Law

SPEAKERS:

Dean Justin Dyer, The University of Texas at Austin School of Civic Leadership

Justice Evan Young, Supreme Court of Texas

Marc Rodriguez, Offices of Marc A. Rodriguez

PARTICIPATING TEXAS CHAPTERS:

The top 3 finalists from each regional competition will compete at the state level.

• Brownsville Chamber
• Bryan/College Station Chamber
• Fort Bend Chamber
• Metrocrest Chamber
• Odessa Chamber
• Pearland Chamber
• The Katy Foundation
• Round Rock Chamber
• Arlington Chamber Foundation

Parking will be available in the garage at Rowling Hall.

PLATINUM SPONSOR

OFFICES OF MARC A. RODRIGUEZ

Calling all middle school students!

Share your ideas and flex your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee®.

ABOUT THE BEE

The School of Civic Leadership is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and seven chambers of commerce across Texas to host a nonpartisan statewide civics competition. The 2026-27 National Civics Bee® encourages young Americans in 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th grade to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

The competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, gives students the chance to win recognition and earn cash prizes by sharing ideas for improving their communities and showing 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 Fall 2026.

WHY CIVICS?

We are hosting the National Civics Bee® Texas State Finals because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge throughout Texas and celebrating our civic pride.

HOW TO ENTER

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. All essays must be submitted by Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Visit www.nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources.

Students should review the Contest Rules and Essay Guide below and then apply using the following link: 2026 National Civics Bee® Application Link.

RESOURCES/ADDITIONAL INFO:

• Essay Guide
• National Civics Bee® Highlights Video
• National Civics Bee® Website
• Student Flyer
• 2026 National Civics Bee® Contest Rules – Essay Round

LOCAL COMPETITIONS

Brownsville Chamber of Commerce

Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce

Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce

Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce

Odessa Chamber of Commerce

Pearland Chamber of Commerce

The Katy Foundation

STATE FINALS

June 6, 2026 from 12 – 4 pm
Crum Auditorium,  McCombs School of Business

REGISTER TO ATTEND!

PRIZE DETAILS

First Place: $1000

Second Place: $500

Third Place: $250

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES 

Are you interested in showcasing your company’s commitment to developing​ active and engaged citizens? For information about available corporate sponsorships, please contact Bryce Waller bryce.waller@austin.utexas.edu

STATE RULES

State Competition Rules

CONTACT US 

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Allison Smythe  asmythe@utexas.edu.

PLATINUM SPONSOR

The Offices of Marc A. Rodriguez