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GRAND JUNCTION, Colorado – Middle school students from Grand Junction-area schools competed in the 2026 National Civics Bee® regional competition on May 2. The event was hosted by the Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Colorado Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Daniels Fund and the Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Students competed with their peers in a live quiz event and answered questions from judges to test their civics knowledge. The top three finalists from the Grand Junction competition will have the chance to participate in the state-level competition hosted by the Colorado Chamber of Commerce in Denver on July 24, 2026. The Colorado state champion will advance to the National Civics Bee® competition in Washington, D.C. in Fall 2026, to compete for the national title.
“We’re proud to continue working with our regional partners across Colorado, strengthening our shared commitment to fostering civic engagement for the next generation,” said Colorado Chamber Foundation Executive Director Rachel Beck. “Each regional civics bee showcases the growth of this program and the impressive level of knowledge demonstrated by students. By investing in civic education, we’re helping prepare young Coloradans to be informed, engaged participants in our democracy. Congratulations to this year’s regional finalists and we look forward to welcoming them to Denver to compete for the state title!”
“The regional Civics Bee is about more than competition, it’s about investing in the next generation of leaders who will shape the future of Mesa County and communities like ours across Colorado,” said Grand Junction Chamber President and CEO Candace Carnahan. “When young people understand how our system works, they are better prepared to strengthen it, and that’s something we should all get behind.”
“Civic engagement starts at home. When students see leadership in action in their own communities, it changes how they see their role in the world,” said Hanna Skandera, president and CEO of the Daniels Fund, founding partner of the National Civics Bee. “We’re proud to stand with our regional partners to inspire the next generation of informed, engaged leaders.”
Winners of the Grand Junction-area National Civics Bee include:
- First place:Aryanna E., Fruita Middle School
- Second place:JoeyMae L., Caprock Academy
- Third place:Makayla P., Caprock Academy
The first-place winner of the local competition received a $500 cash prize and all three finalists are invited to participate in the statewide competition. The top three winners of the state competition will receive cash prizes of $1,000 for first place, $500 for second place and $250 for third place. The state champion will have the opportunity to compete in the national competition, which includes $100,000 for the first place winner, $25,000 for second place, and $15,000 for third place.
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The Colorado Chamber Foundation is a non-profit educational foundation whose purpose is to support programs, research, educational opportunities and other initiatives that encourage and enhance a healthy business climate. The organization works collaboratively in partnership with state business leaders to advance Colorado’s economy and local communities through forward-thinking solutions.
The Grand Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to protecting, strengthening, and growing our local business community by being a catalyst for business growth, a convener of leaders and influencers who make things happen, and a champion for a stronger community. Through our workforce development programs, business advocacy efforts, and a variety of opportunities to create meaningful connections, our Chamber works tirelessly to ensure our local businesses are able to thrive, not just survive.