Civics Begins With Me

Helping Utah youth learn, engage, and make a difference

Big Ideas Start With You!

And they could even win you a $100,000 scholarship.

Give Your Student a Chance to Shine in the National Civics Bee

Your student can write an essay about a community issue they care about and then follow the steps below to move through the local, state, and national levels for prizes and a chance at a $100,000 scholarship.

Submit your essay before February 3, 2026

STEP 1

Write Your Essay

Answer the 4 National Civics Bee questions about:

  • An issue in your community
  • The steps you’d take to fix it
  • Who would support your idea
  • How your idea reflects America’s founding principles

STEP 2

Submit to National Civics Bee

Essay due February 3, 2026

Upload your essay to the National Civics Bee website for your chance to compete. If you make it all the way to the finals in Washington, D.C., you could win a $100,000 scholarship and the prize-trip of a lifetime to our nation’s capital.

STEP 3

Utah Essay Contest

After submitting your essay to the National Civics Bee, enter the Utah Civics Essay Contest for another chance to shine — and to win $500, $250, or $125! We can’t wait to read what you come up with!

Tools to Help Kids Learn About How Government Works

Helping kids understand how government works is easier with the right support. Our resource page offers simple guides and activities that teachers and families can use to learn together and build confidence along the way.

2026 Educator Toolkit

Downloadable toolkit with a curated collection of supplemental resources to help bring the Bee to your classroom.

Student Essay Application Guide

Download for step-by-step instructions to craft your essay. The guide includes the essay prompt, judging rubric, and helpful definitions and organizers.

Test Your Civics Knowledge

Test your civics knowledge with a short, friendly quiz that shows what you already know—and what you can learn next.

Why Civics Matter to America