National Civics Bee®

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation works to strengthen communities and expand opportunity across the Commonwealth—and that begins with equipping the next generation to lead. Through the National Civics Bee, the Foundation helps Kentucky students explore how civic engagement, leadership, and economic opportunity intersect to build a stronger future for all of us.

About the National Civics Bee®

The National Civics Bee is a national, nonpartisan competition that inspires young Americans to deepen their understanding of civics and discover the power they have to strengthen their communities. Open to 6th, 7th, and 8th graders at no cost, the competition provides students with a platform to showcase their knowledge, share their ideas, and be recognized for their leadership, offering opportunities to advance and compete for national prizes worth up to $100,000.

Created by The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee reflects the belief that informed and active citizens are essential to a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce—and that our nation’s prosperity depends on the strength of all three.
The Kentucky Chamber Foundation is proud to host the Kentucky State Finals and to partner with local chambers of commerce across the state to make the Bee possible.

Watch the National Civics Bee® Finals on November 11, 2025, live from Washington, D.C.!

Accelerating Solutions, Building Opportunity

1,228 Kentucky students have submitted essays for the National Civics Bee regional competitions.

Opportunities to Engage

When business leads, Kentucky moves forward.

Participate

Don't miss your opportunity to share your civic knowledge, grow as a citizen, and work towards positive change in your community! The submission window for the 2026 National Civics Bee® is open now through February 3, 2026. Click here to access the submission portal. Educators who are interested in integrating National Civics Bee® engagement into the classroom, for extra credit, as an extracurricular opportunity, or in your community can learn more in the Educator Toolkit.

Essay Submission Portal

Partner and Support

Your engagement and investment help expand opportunity by strengthening communities and build for tomorrow. Whether through sponsorships, event partnerships, volunteerism, or collaboration, your support fuels programs that connect education, business, and opportunity.

Contact

For questions about the competition or to support the program, please contact Ginny Hoyt at ghoyt@kychamber.com.

Regional Competition Locations

Local chambers of commerce across the state are working together to bring the National Civics Bee® to every Kentucky region. Participating students will write a 500-word essay to enter their local competitions. The winners from each region will then move on to the Kentucky State Finals, which will take place in the summer of 2026. Use the map to find your local region, and click the Chamber below to learn about their involvement in the National Civics Bee Competition!

Resources

2025 National Civics Bee Kentucky State Finals

Chambers of Commerce from across Kentucky hosted Local Civics Bee competitions this spring, in partnership with the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, where middle school students participated in live quiz events to test their civics knowledge and discuss issues facing their communities.

The 2025 local competitions were hosted by the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce, Campbellsville/Taylor County Chamber of Commerce, Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, London-Laurel County Chamber of Commerce, and Maysville-Mason County Area Chamber of Commerce.

Ava Bogard from Calloway County was named the winner of the 2025 National Civics Bee® Kentucky State Competition, with Phoenix Hurtgen of Taylor County placing second and Lucy Reynolds from Taylor County placing third.