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



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
National Civics Bee® Website
Essay Guide
Educator Toolkit
National Civics Bee® Contest Rules – Essay Round
Student Flyer
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®.