In partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce is proud to host a nonpartisan National Civics Bee® competition that encourages young Americans to explore civics, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade will have the opportunity to showcase their civics knowledge for a chance to earn recognition and cash prizes. Local winners will advance to state-level competitions, and finalists will be invited to Washington, D.C. in Fall 2026 to compete in the National Civics Bee® Championship.
About the National Civics Bee®
The Brainerd Lakes Chamber of Commerce is proud to be one of many Chambers across the nation selected to host the National Civics Bee®, an exciting competition promoted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
This unique event invites middle school students to showcase their civic knowledge and problem-solving skills. The competition begins with a first-round essay contest, where students share their ideas for strengthening their communities. From these entries, 20 students will advance to the final round: a live quiz event that puts their civics knowledge to the test.
Finalists and winners will be recognized in the community and awarded prizes. The top three local winners will move on to the Minnesota state competition, and the state champion will advance to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Civics Bee®—with a chance to win their share of $50,000 in prizes!
Calling All Middle School Students!
Do you have a great idea for how civics can help solve a problem in your community? Enter the National Civics Bee® Essay Competition for your chance to share your ideas and be recognized!
To participate, review the rules and guidelines and submit your essay through the Essay Portal (link below). You’ll need to create an account to complete your submission.
How to Apply
Visit National Civics Bee Website for the application portal, official rules, deadlines, and resources.
Essay Deadline: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
National Civics Bee essay deadline has been extended to Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
Why Civics?
Civics education matters. Informed and active citizens build a stronger nation, a stronger economy, and a stronger workforce—and our future success depends on the strength of all three. The National Civics Bee® is designed to inspire greater civics knowledge and participation, while bringing communities together in a celebration of civic pride.
Judging Criteria: Essays will be evaluated on how well you:
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of civics
- Acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints
- Reference at least one Founding Principle and one Civic Virtue
- Use primary sources such as newspapers, data, historical documents, or images to support your idea
- Clearly describe an idea that is innovative or new to you
Earn recognition and cash prizes!
Finalists participating in each local bee as well as in the state competition for Minnesota will be eligible for recognition and cash prizes.
Minnesota State Finals Competition Prizes
Each state finalist will receive a participation certificate. There will be one third-place winner receiving a trophy and $250 and one second-place winner receiving a trophy and $500. One first-place winner will receive a trophy, $1,000, plus a potential $5,000 donation to the champion’s school.
National Competition Prizes
Each national finalist will receive a participation certificate. There will be one third-place winner receiving a trophy and at least $15,000, one second-place winner receiving a trophy and at least $25,000, and one first-place winner receiving a trophy and a $100,000 529 Plan Contribution.