The Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring the National Civics Bee to Queen Creek for the 2026-2027 program year. This annual initiative invites middle school students to showcase their civics knowledge, engage in their communities, and build trust in others and institutions through a nonpartisan, multi-round competition.
The National Civics Bee begins with a written essay and culminates in live events at the regional, state, and national levels. Finalists who advance to the National Championship in Washington, D.C., will compete for cash prizes, national recognition, and a $100,000 529 education savings plan contribution.
The essay application portal opens on September 7, 2026, and closes on February 2, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST). All students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/ncb-how-it-works/.
“Understanding how our community works and how decisions are made is an important part of being an engaged citizen,” said Chris Clark, President & CEO of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce. “We’re proud to host the National Civics Bee in our area for the fourth year and give local students the opportunity to put their knowledge to the test. It’s been great to see the students who have participated in this program over the past few years take an interest in the issues affecting their communities and share their ideas. We’re looking forward to seeing what this year’s students come up with.”
“The National Civics Bee challenges young people to think critically about the issues facing their communities and the role they can play in addressing them,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “In the process, students build the knowledge, confidence, and real-world skills that help them become engaged citizens and effective leaders, preparing them to contribute meaningfully to their communities and succeed in a rapidly changing workforce.”
For more information about entering the National Civics Bee, visit nationalcivicsbee.org. For interview requests or additional information, please contact kim@queencreekchamber.com.
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About Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce
We were formed in 2002 to solve problems so you can thrive because strong businesses create strong communities.
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 the National Civics Bee® The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state, regional, and local organizations across the country. The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Andrew Carnegie Corporation, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.
