Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools across south King County are invited to apply for the 2026 National Civics Bee, a nonpartisan competition created and organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Students begin by submitting a four-paragraph essay proposing ideas to improve their communities, and the top-scoring essay finalists will be invited to a live quiz competition in their state.
Top essayists will advance to live quiz competitions at the local, state, and national levels, where they’ll test their civics knowledge for prizes and recognition.
According to the Kent Chamber, finalists can earn prizes and develop valuable skills in writing, civics, and public speaking. The first-place winner of the Kent State Finals will advance to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Championship in fall 2026, where competitors can win cash awards, national recognition, and up to a $100,000 education savings contribution.
The competition also offers a $5,000 school donation for each state’s first-place winner, made possible by the Fisher Global Foundation. Last year’s Kent finalist, Maanha Nasir, represented Washington state at the national event and placed third overall.
“The Civics Bee is one of the most impactful programs we offer because it empowers young people to see themselves as leaders and changemakers in their communities,” said Zenovia Harris, CEO of the Kent Chamber of Commerce. “By encouraging students to engage with civic issues and share their ideas, we’re not just supporting education—we’re building the next generation of informed, active citizens who will shape the future of Kent and beyond.”
Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation, added:
“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America. The National Civics Bee provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future.”
Deadline is Feb. 3, 2026
The application portal is open now through Feb. 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. Students may apply online at my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site/NationalCivicsBee2026, or by mail if internet access is unavailable. Educator and student resources are available at civics.uschamberfoundation.org/ncb-how-it-works.
For more information, contact the Kent Chamber of Commerce at info@kentchamber.com or visit nationalcivicsbee.org.
About the Kent Chamber of Commerce
The Kent Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to fostering a vibrant, connected, and thriving business community. Through networking opportunities, marketing support, and educational resources, the Chamber empowers local entrepreneurs with the tools they need to grow and succeed. Each year, the Chamber responds to thousands of inquiries from community members and businesses seeking guidance, underscoring its vital role as a trusted resource and advocate for the economic and social well-being of the Kent community.
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.
About the National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state, regional, and local organizations across the country. The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Carnegie Corporation of New York, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.
