National Civics Bee

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Calling all middle school students! The Colorado Chamber Foundation invites students across the state to showcase their civic knowledge and passion for community in the annual National Civics Bee® competition.

About the National Civics Bee®
The Colorado Chamber Foundation is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and seven local chambers of commerce across Colorado to host this statewide civics competition.

Open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students, the Bee encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Modeled after traditional spelling and geography bees, students compete for recognition and cash prizes—while building skills that will last a lifetime. Competitors are evaluated based on their original ideas for improving their communities and their enthusiasm for civic engagement and knowledge.

The competition includes four stages: a written essay round, local live event, a statewide competition, and the National Finals. The Colorado State Champion will earn a spot at the National Civics Bee® National Championship in Washington, D.C., taking place November 10-11, 2025.

Why Civics?
We are hosting the National Civics Bee® Colorado State Finals because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge throughout Colorado and celebrating our civic pride.

National Civics Bee Colorado State Finals, Presented by Kinder Morgan

The top three students from each local competition will advance to the Colorado State Finals, hosted by the Colorado Chamber Foundation on Friday, May 30, 2025, at the Cable Center. Finalists will compete live for cash prizes and the chance to represent Colorado at the National Finals in Washington, D.C.

Click here for full event details and registration. This event is free to attend, but registration is required.

To learn more, please contact Lauren Stellman.

Sponsorship Opportunities

Are you interested in showcasing your company’s commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? To learn about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Lauren Schwartz.

Local Chamber Partners & Events

Thank you to all of our local partners in Colorado, who bring this program to life in their respective communities.

How to Participate:

  • Applications are now closed, but please visit this page again to learn how to participate for the 2025-26 competition!
  • All Colorado middle school students (public, private, charter, and home schools) are eligible to participate. For 2025-26, students answer a 3-question essay prompt proposing ideas to improve their communities. Applications close in February 2026. Judges select finalists to advance to local competitions to compete for trophies, prizes, and recognition. Local competitions take place in-person between early March and early May.
  • The top 3 winners from each local competition advance to the State Finals.
  • The first-place finalist from Colorado receives a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for big prizes at the National Championship in the Fall.
  • Click here for more information on event eligibility, rules and guidelines, judging criteria, the entry essay and more.