The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to serve as Wisconsin’s official State Partner for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s National Civics Bee®, a national initiative designed to strengthen civic understanding and inspire community engagement among middle school students throughout the state.
The 2026 Wisconsin State Competition will take place May 9, 2026, at South Middle School in Eau Claire, bringing together the state’s top young civic thinkers for a live quiz-style event.
Essay Contest Now Open for Wisconsin Students
All Wisconsin students in grades 6 through 8 across public, private, charter, virtual, and homeschool settings are invited to participate by submitting a short essay focused on a local issue they care about.
Students are asked to identify a community issue, explain why it matters, and propose a realistic solution. Essays are evaluated on students’ civic understanding, critical thinking, creativity, and clarity of ideas.
The submission portal is currently open, and essays will be accepted through February 3, 2026.
From the full pool of entries, 20 finalists will advance to the live quiz-style event. Finalists will compete in multiple rounds testing their civic knowledge and understanding of U.S. government, current events, and civic principles.
Wisconsin’s state champion will represent the state at the National Civics Bee® in Washington, D.C. in fall 2026, competing against students from across the country.
Here’s what Wisconsin’s 2025 State Champion has to say about her experience in the National Competition:
“Being in the National Civics Bee has opened me up to so many incredible experiences and possibilities that I could have never imagined. Before I began the competition I knew nothing about civics; however, being in the competition has opened me up to a whole new realm of knowledge that I can now apply not only to my classes, but my everyday life. Through the competition I discovered my passion for civic leadership and my drive to make a difference. I have learned skills like public speaking, acquired crucial knowledge that will better me as a person, and created amazing friendships along the way. The National Civics Bee has been an outlet for me to learn and share what I am passionate about with the community. Civics is so important and plays an essential role in our everyday lives and I believe it is our duty to stay educated and involved.”
— Leila C., 2025 Wisconsin National Civics Bee Champion
Editors and reporters may excerpt portions of this quote for clarity or length, provided the meaning is preserved and Leila C. is properly attributed.
The Importance of Family & Community Support
Families, educators, and community organizations are encouraged to help students explore local issues and share the opportunity statewide.
Eau Claire’s Civic National Civics Bee Leadership
Eau Claire has been a consistent leader in advancing civic education. After hosting successful regional competitions, the region has also produced Wisconsin’s last two state champions:
- Rya M., DeLong Middle School – 2024 Wisconsin State Civics Bee Champion
- Leila C., South Middle School – 2025 Wisconsin State Civics Bee Champion
About the National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee is a nonpartisan initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, delivered in partnership with chambers nationwide. Through student essays and competitive events, the program encourages middle school students to develop civic knowledge and engage with their communities.
For essay guidelines, educator resources, and sponsorship opportunities, please visit:
Eau Claire Chamber National Civics Bee® page: https://www.eauclairechamber.org/workforce/national-civics-bee/
