How Can YOU Make a Difference in Your Community?
Start with an essay to enter the 2026 National Civics Bee®!
📅 Submit Your Application Now
How It Works - Your Journey to Success!
Step 1: Write Your Essay
Use the Essay Application Guide to write about your amazing ideas for improving your community!
Click for Essay Guide →
Step 2: Submit Online
Portal opens September 8, 2025 at 9:01 PM EST. Submit by February 3, 2026!
Click to Apply →
Step 3: Compete!
Finalists notified by March 8, 2026. Compete in Regional and State competitions!
Learn About Competition →
Step 4: Washington D.C.!
State winners get an amazing trip to compete in the National Championship!
See Championship Details →
📅 Important Dates to Remember! 📅
September 8, 2025
Application portal is now open
February 3, 2026
Final deadline to submit your essay application
March 8, 2026
Finalists will be notified - could it be you?
March - July 2026
Regional Bees and State Finals - the excitement builds!
For Amazing Educators!
Help your students discover the power of civic engagement
Curriculum Integration
Perfect for social studies, language arts, and civic education classes
Learning Objectives
Develops critical thinking, writing skills, and civic awareness
Student Achievement
Recognition and opportunities for outstanding students
Resources & Downloads
Everything you need to succeed in the 2026 National Civics Bee®
2026 Student Flyer
Easy to share flyer with general competition info.
2026 Essay Round Contest Rules
Official Rules of the Essay Round.
2026 Essay Application Guide
Downloadable guide with step-by-step instructions on crafting your application essay.
2026 Educator Toolkit
Downloadable toolkit with a curated collection of supplemental resources to help bring the Bee to your classroom.
Privacy Policy
Describes personal information collected, used, and shared when you participate in the National Civics Bee®.
2026 Mail-In Application Form
Students unable to submit online may use this Mail-In Application Form to mail their essay application.
Code of Conduct: 2025 National Championship
Official Code of Conduct for the 2025 National Championship, taking place on November 11, 2025.
View Code of ConductReady to Make a Difference?
Are Now Open!