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Local students with a passion for improving their communities are invited to apply for the 2026 National Civics Bee, with essays due Tuesday, Feb. 3.
The National Civics Bee is open to sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students. Entry is free and open to students from public, private, charter and homeschool settings. Applications for the 2026 competition cycle are now open and due Feb. 3, according to a provided news release.
Through the National Civics Bee, students gain a deeper understanding of American democracy, practice respectful and constructive civic engagement and build trust in one another and in civic institutions. As they compete for prizes and recognition, participants strengthen their civics knowledge, writing abilities and public speaking skills, while forming meaningful connections with fellow young leaders, the release states.
To enter, students respond to a four-question essay prompt proposing ideas to improve their communities. Judges will select finalists to advance to the regional competition in Kosciusko County, where students compete in person for trophies, prizes and recognition. Regional competitions take place in the spring. The Kosciusko County regional competition will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, April 1 at the Warsaw Performing Arts Center, hosted by the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce.
The top three winners from each regional competition advance to the state finals, held from early June through July. One finalist from each state will then earn a trip to the national championship, where students compete for significant prizes.
Local students have already found success on the national stage. Last year, Barrett Hodorek of Lakeview Middle School finished second in the National Championship in Washington, D.C., after winning both the local and state competitions, highlighting the incredible opportunities available through the program, the release states.
Students are encouraged to submit essays by Tuesday, Feb. 3, and take part in this opportunity to make their voices heard and shape the future of their communities.
For more information and application details, visit the National Civics Bee website at https://my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site/NationalCivicsBee2026
