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 and a trip to Washington D.C..
Submit your essay before February 3, 2026
6th – 8th grade students answer 4 questions about:
Top finalists travel to Washington, D.C. to compete for a $100,000 scholarship.
After submitting to the National Civics Bee, enter the Utah Civics Essay Contest for another chance to win up to $500.
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.
Downloadable toolkit with a curated collection of supplemental resources to help bring the Bee to your classroom.
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 with a short, friendly quiz that shows what you already know—and what you can learn next.
