Middle school students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades 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, according to a Nov. 11 Kent Chamber of Commerce media release.

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

See Full Page