National Civics Bee

Calling all Middle School Students!

We invite you to share your ideas and flex your civic knowledge in the National Civics Bee!

ABOUT THE BEE

The Tennessee Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and regional partners across Tennessee to host our third annual National Civics Bee Tennessee, a one-of-a-kind civics competition. The 2025-26 National Civics Bee encourages young Americans in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. The competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, gives students the chance to win recognition and earn cash prizes by sharing ideas for improving their communities and showing their enthusiasm for civics. The winner of the National Civics Bee Tennessee State Finals will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the inaugural National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2026.

WHY CIVICS?

We are hosting the National Civics Bee Tennessee 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 Tennessee celebrating our civic pride.

LOCAL COMPETITIONS

• Gallatin Chamber of Commerce
• Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce
• Polk County Chamber of Commerce
• Oak Ridge Chamber of Commerce & Leadership Oak Ridge

2025-26 National Civics Bee® Competition Timeline:

• September 8, 2025: Student Application Portal opens.
• Tuesday, February 3, 2026: Application Submission Deadline (and Postmark deadline for Mail-In Essay Applications)
• Friday, February 27 – March 8, 2026: Finalist Confirmation Window (10 days)
• Friday, March 20 – Saturday, May 23, 2026: Regional Bees take place.
• June 2026: State Bee
• Fall 2026: National Championship takes place in D.C. (date TBD)

STATE FINALS will be held in Nashville, TN in June 2026. Check back for updates!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Are you interested in showcasing your company’s commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available corporate sponsorships, please contact Jim Skelton at Jim.Skelton@tnchamber.org.

CONTACT US 

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Sarah Burnett at Sarah.Burnett@tnchamber.org.