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.
Applications for the 2027 National Civics Bee open September 7, 2026, and will be available through the National Civics Bee website. We encourage all Kentucky students in grades 6-8 to join in the competition!
Opportunities to Engage
When business leads, Kentucky moves forward.
Participate
The National Civics Bee® invites Kentucky students in grades 6-8 to share their ideas and explore issues facing their communities through this exciting civics competition. Applications consist of four short-answer responses and can be submitted through the National Civics Bee® website from September 7, 2026, through February 2, 2027.
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.
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 2026 local competitions were hosted by the Bardstown-Nelson County Chamber of Commerce, the Campbellsville-Taylor County Chamber of Commerce, the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce, the Northeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Southeast Kentucky Chamber of Commerce.
Maris Gobey from Fayette County was named the winner of the 2026 National Civics Bee® Kentucky State Competition, with Konnor Knott of Lyon County placing second and Allie Jackson of Boyd County placing third.
View the 2026 Event Recap
