Why Civics?
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce Foundation is participating in the National Civics Bee because we believe that informed, active citizens make for strong communities across our state and country as well as a thriving economy and workforce – our continued and shared prosperity depends on all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in our Great Lakes State and celebrating our civic pride.
CALLING ALL MICHIGAN
MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS
Share your ideas and flex your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee.
ABOUT THE BEE
The Michigan Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and several local/regional chambers of commerce to host a unique competition that encourages young Michiganders to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes.Â
Ready to test your civics knowledge?
Take this brief quiz to see how well you stack up. And don’t worry, whether you ace them or need some refreshers, we are glad you’re interested in civics and civic engagement. We need more people like you. Ready? Let’s go!
KEY 2026 DATES
- Sept. 8, 2025: Student Application Portal opens
- Nov. 11, 2025:Â 2025 National Championship in Washington, D.C. (Watch 2025 Michigan State Champion Ashley T participate and represent the Great Lakes State – live stream link coming soon)
- NOW Feb. 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST: Application submission deadline (and postmark deadline)
- March 20 – May 23, 2026: Regional Bees take place
- July 8, 2026: Michigan’s State Finals of the National Civics Bee in the capital city’s Heritage Hall/State Capitol building
- Fall 2026: National Championship takes place in Washington D.C. (date TBD)
HOW TO ENTER
Michigan middle schoolers (grades 6–8) are invited to submit a short essay by Feb. 17, 2026, sharing their best idea to strengthen their community. Top essays advance to live local competitions hosted by chambers across the state, with winners moving on to the Michigan State Finals at the Capitol in July. The state champion will represent Michigan at the National Civics Bee® in Washington, D.C., competing for prizes — including a $100,000 grand priz17
IN THE NEWS
- WDIV TV 4: National Civics Bee returns – Here’s what to know
- Michigan’s Big Show: National Civics Bee is back in Michigan for 2025-26
- National Civics Bee in Michigan buzzes back in big way for 2025-26
- Rising Huron freshman wins Michigan’s statewide civics competition
- WLNS TV 6: Michigan Chamber holds National Civics Bee
- Michigan’s National Civics Bee abuzz with action
- WILX TV 10- Michigan Chamber of Commerce holds National Statewide Civics Bee
- Announcement: National Civics Bee coming to Michigan
- National Civics Bee in Michigan is here. First round essay portion for Michigan middle schoolers opens today, runs through Feb.19
- Detroit Free Press feature: National Civics Bee in Michigan open for middle schoolers through Feb. 19
- There’s still time to enter National Civics Bee in Michigan! First round essays from middle schoolers due Feb. 19
- Jackson County Chamber of Commerce WILX feature
ADDITIONAL INFO
LOCAL CHAMBER PARTICIPATION
2025 MICHIGAN BEE HIGHLIGHTS
THANK YOU TO OUR 2026 SPONSOR
Are you interested in showcasing your company’s commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available 2026 sponsorships, please contact Amanda Toy, MI Chamber VP of membership and partnership.