U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation Announces 2026 National Civics Bee® Championship // America's Top Young Civics Minds Take the National Stage Live on C-SPAN

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Sep 28, 2026, 11:07 ET

Students from all 50 states, Washington, D.C. and American Samoa will compete in nationally televised championship for a chance to win $100,000

Hosted by Jerry O'Connell – Wednesday, October 14 at 8 pm ET

WASHINGTON, Sept. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fifty-two of the nation's top middle school civics students will come together in Washington, D.C. on October 14 for the third annual National Civics Bee Championship — a fast-paced, live competition testing their knowledge of American government, the Constitution and the civic challenges facing their communities.

Finalists from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa will compete for the national title — and, for the first time, the championship will be televised and streamed live on C-SPAN, bringing the excitement of the competition to a nationwide audience.

The 2026 National Civics Bee Championship, presented by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, will air Wednesday, October 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET and will be hosted by Emmy-nominated actor and game show host Jerry O'Connell.

The live championship is the culmination of a nationwide competition that this year engaged more than 20,000 students from 240 communities across the country. Students advanced through rigorous local and state competitions organized in partnership with chambers of commerce nationwide.

Along the way, students tackled critical issues in their own communities — including youth mental health, screens in schools, food insecurity, affordable housing, wildfire preparedness and financial education — demonstrating not just what they know about civics, but how civic knowledge can be applied to real-world challenges.

As the United States marks its 250th anniversary, the championship will showcase a new generation of young Americans learning how government works, engaging with the issues around them, and discovering the role they can play in their communities and country.

"Civics is the operating system for the 21st century. Democracy and the economy both run on it. These kids already understand that. Watch the broadcast and you will too," said Michael Carney, President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

"Civics comes alive when young people understand not only how our democracy works, but how they can take part in it," said Sam Feist, CEO of C-SPAN. "These 52 students represent the very best of that spirit. They've earned their way to Washington from communities across the country, and now they'll put their knowledge, ideas and skills to the test live on national television. It's going to be smart, fast-paced and fun to watch — and we're proud to bring their remarkable achievement to audiences across America."

Championship Showcases Future Leaders

Across several rounds challenging their knowledge, critical thinking and problem-solving skills, these bright young minds will compete to become the next National Civics Bee Champion and win the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and a $100,000 529 education savings plan.

The finalists will be tested during a team presentation, a multiple-choice round, a head-to-head gauntlet, an interview round, and a high-stakes final buzzer round.

While in Washington, DC, students will also visit institutions in the nation's capital and engage with leaders who shape American policy and governance.

Launched in 2023, the National Civics Bee has rapidly grown into a nationwide movement, bringing together students, parents, educators, business leaders and public officials to elevate civics education as a national priority.

Last year's championship crowned Aarit Koul, a student from Jackson Township, Ohio, as America's second National Civics Bee champion.

Watch the Championship, Apply for 2027

The 2026 National Civics Bee Championship will take place at 8:00 p.m. ET on Wednesday, October 14, in Washington, D.C., and will be broadcast LIVE on C-SPAN, live-streamed on C-SPAN.org and YouTube.

Hilary Crow serves as executive producer. Steven Raff and Caitlin Thomas are co-executive producers, Brian Rokus is producer, and Howard Lutt is director.

To see the full list of National Civics Bee finalists: https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee/championship-2026/#finalists
To view highlights from the 2025 National Civics Bee Championship, including Aarit's winning moment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjsqiKDf3Rc
Applications are now open for the 2027 National Civics Bee. To apply by February 2, 2027: https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/ncb-how-it-works/#how-to-enter

About National Civics Bee^®

The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is an annual competition aimed at improving civics knowledge, skills, and disposition among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state and local chambers, youth organizations, and universities across the country. It is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Andrew Carnegie Foundation, Wilson Garling Foundation, Britebound, Ibis Group, Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, The Anschutz Foundation, Fisher Global Foundation, College Board, and other funders.

About U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.

About C-SPAN

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