2026 National Civics Bee® Essay Application Portal Now Open for Illinois Middle Schoolers

 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 9, 2025
 
 
 2026 National Civics Bee® Essay Application Portal Now Open for Illinois Middle Schoolers
 
Calling all middle school students to share their ideas, showcase their civics knowledge, engage in their communities, and compete for prizes and recognition.
 
Champaign, IL – The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce invites middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools across Illinois 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. The top-scoring essay finalists are invited to participate in a live quiz competition in Champaign.
 
Finalists who advance to live quiz competitions at the regional, state, and national levels have the chance to win prizes and represent their communities. They also strengthen their civics, writing, and public speaking skills, and form friendships with other young leaders along the way.
 
The top three students at the regional competition in Champaign will advance to the state competition in Springfield, Il. The first-place winner of the Illinois State finals will earn a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Championship in Fall 2026. Finalists who advance to the National Championship will compete for cash prizes, national recognition, and a $ 100,000 contribution to a 529 education savings plan. Thanks to the generous support of the Fisher Global Foundation, the first-place winner in each state may also secure a $5,000 donation for their school.
 
Educators, youth leaders, and parents are encouraged to share this opportunity with their middle school students. Educator and student resources are available to help students craft and submit their essays.
 
To access these resources, visit https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/ncb-how-it-works/.
The application portal is now open through February 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. Students can apply at https://my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site/NationalCivicsBee2026.
Students without internet access or a computer may submit their applications by mail.
 
“At the heart of every strong community is an engaged and informed citizenry—and that begins with our young people,” said Laura Weis, President & CEO of the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce. “The National Civics Bee gives students a chance to connect what they’re learning in the classroom to real issues facing their neighborhoods and towns. It encourages critical thinking, leadership, and a sense of pride in the community. These are skills that will serve them for a lifetime. We’re proud to help nurture Illinois’ next generation of civic leaders.”
 
 
 
“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,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
 
For more information about entering the National Civics Bee, visit nationalcivicsbee.org. For interview requests or additional information, please email kileys@champaigncounty.org 
 
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About Champaign County Chamber of Commerce
The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce is a member-focused business association that facilitates business growth and improves the quality of life.
 
About 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.