The St. Tammany Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition encouraging young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
ABOUT THE CIVICS BEE
Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee® championship in Fall 2026.
Students began by entering an essay competition and the top Essay Finalists will participate in a live quiz event testing their civics knowledge on Monday, May 4. The top 3 winners from each Regional Competition will advance to the state event, where they will compete for first-, second-, and third-place prizes. The first-place winner from each State Competition will advance to the National Championship hosted by the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
WHY CIVICS?
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 National Civics Bee, we promote greater civic knowledge in Southeast Louisiana and celebrate our civic pride.
“LIVE” REGIONAL COMPETITION IN ST. TAMMANY
The Regional Competition is the exciting next step for students selected as finalists in the National Civics Bee®. Join us on Monday, May 4, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:30 PM at The River Mill Event Center in Covington to cheer on these talented middle school students. Families, teachers, classmates and community members are all welcome to attend as these students test their civics knowledge in a live, fast-paced quiz format. This is a great opportunity to celebrate civic learning, leadership and community pride, while showing support for the next generation of engaged citizens. Don’t miss this chance to witness the future leaders of Southeast Louisiana in action!
Sponsored By
HOW TO ENTER
Essay submissions are now closed. Look for the 2027 competition dates this summer.
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in southeast Louisiana with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their essay to participate in one local competition in their state. All essays must be submitted by Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
If selected, you will be invited to participate in the Regional Competition (live competition) to be held in St. Tammany.
The Regional Competition finalists compete for cash prizes.
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $125
EDUCATORS
Are you an educator in an area public, private or home school? You can bring the National Civics Bee to life in your classroom! Download the toolkit below or contact Michelle Biggs at michelle@sttammanychamber.org or 985-273-3003 for more information.
