SICC to Host National Civics Bee in 2026

Calling all middle school students!

The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Borough President’s Office and Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, is excited to announce the return of the National Civics Bee! Now in its third year, the National Civics Bee is an opportunity for students in grades 6, 7, and 8 to participate in a civic engagement competition, resulting in a live “bee” much like a Spelling Bee. 

As part of this year’s competition and to increase civic engagement among youth, the Chamber is encouraging middle school students to share their thoughts, ideas, and voices about the Staten Island community by writing an essay on a civic topic of their choice. 

The top 20 students will advance to the live competition, where they will get a chance to show off their civic knowledge in two rounds of multiple choice Q&As and a final essay round, where judges will evaluate the top 5 students and their essays.

Applicants must be in grades 6, 7, or 8 and have an idea about using civics to solve a problem in their community. The deadline to submit a 4-paragraph essay to the National Civics Bee submission portal is February 3, 2026 at 11:59 Hawaii Standard Time. The first place prize is $500, the second place prize is $250, and the third place prize is $125, and all three contestants will move on to the state competition in Albany.

At the state level, first place will receive $1,000 plus a $5,000 donation to the student's school, second place will receive $500, and third place will receive $250. The first place winner will also move on to the national competition with a chance to win up to $100,000 in the form of a 529 plan contribution.

For more information, head to https://www.sichamber.com/civicsbee, and to access the application portal, click here.