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The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & InstituteThe Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute Logo

Civil Discourse Project

National Civics Bee

Overview

The Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute is hosting the California and D.C. to host the nonpartisan statewide civics competitions. The 2025-26 National Civics Bee® encourages young Americans in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

About the Competition

Female Student Speaking at Microphone
Civics Bee Group Photo
Civics Bee Winners

About the Competition

Take your shot at cash, prizes, and national recognition—including a $100,000 contribution to a 529 education savings account for the 2026 National Champion! Modeled after traditional spelling and geography bees, the competition offers students the opportunity to share their ideas for improving their communities, showcase their passion for civics, and earn exciting rewards. The winner of the National Civics Bee® California and Washington, D.C. State Finals will also win a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Civics Bee® Championship in Fall 2026. Additionally, thanks to the generous support of the Fisher Global Foundation, the first-place winner in each state can secure a $5,000 donation for their school, along with their own prizes and accolades. 

Why Civics

We are hosting the National Civics Bee® California and Washington, D.C. State Finals Summer 2026 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 California and celebrating our civic pride.

Highlights from the 2023 National Civics Bee

How To Enter

Students in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade who reside in California or any participating state are invited to submit four paragraphs using guided prompts in the Essay Guide on how they can make a difference in their community. Each student may participate in one local competition within their state. To qualify, essays must be submitted no later than Tuesday, February 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. For the latest updates on the application portal, entry deadlines, and helpful resources, be sure to visit our website.

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

Additional Resources and Information

Find a Local Regional Competition Near You

  • Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce

    5934 Priestly Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008

  • McKinleyville Chamber of Commerce

    1640 Central Ave, McKinleyville, CA 95519

  • Morgan Hill Chamber of Commerce

    17500 Depot St Ste 260, Morgan Hill, CA 95037

  • Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce

    26442 Beckman Ct y, Murrieta, CA 92562

  • Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce

    614 S Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 93454

  • Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce

    40 W Cochran St #100, Simi Valley, CA 93065

  • Vista Chamber of Commerce

    170 Eucalyptus Ave #115, Vista, CA 92084

  • Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce Foundation

    4801 Park Ave, Yorba Linda, CA 92886 

  • STATE FINALS: Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum

    40 Presidential Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065

Calling All Middle School Students

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