The application portal for the National Civics Bee is now open!

This free, non-partisan, 500-word essay competition is a great opportunity for 6th-8th graders to share civics knowledge and inspire conscientious citizenship.

Teachers can integrate the competition into their curriculum, offer as extra credit, or let students know about it as an extracurricular engagement. Students have the opportunity to advance to the regional, state, and national level of the competition and win cash prizes along the way and up to $100,000 in 529 plan contributions at nationals. A new prize was added this year: the state winner’s school will receive a $5,000 donation.

The application window will be open through Feb. 3, 2026. Learn more by visiting the .