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Williamson, Inc. | 2026–27 Competition
National Civics Bee
in Williamson County
Calling all middle school students! Have an idea to make your school or community a better place? Share it, put your civics knowledge to the test, and compete for prizes and recognition.
Application Deadline: February 2, 2027 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time
Get Started
Everything You Need to Participate
Whether you're a student ready to share an idea, a parent helping your child prepare, or an educator encouraging civic engagement, you'll find the information you need here.
For Students
Explore the competition, develop your idea, prepare your written responses, and learn how to apply.
Start Your Application →For Parents & Guardians
Find eligibility requirements, important deadlines, official rules, and resources to help your student participate.
View Parent Resources →For Educators
Bring civics into your classroom with ready-to-use educational resources and encourage students to get involved.
View Educator Resources →About the Competition
Big Ideas. Young Voices. Lasting Impact.
The National Civics Bee® is a nonpartisan competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics, strengthen their understanding of American democracy, and contribute to their communities.
How Does It Work?
Participating 6th, 7th, and 8th graders begin by submitting written responses proposing an idea to improve their school or community.
Selected finalists advance to live regional competitions, where they demonstrate their civics knowledge and discuss their ideas with judges.
The top three regional competitors advance to State Finals. One student from each state advances to the National Civics Bee Championship in Fall 2027.
Learn How the Competition Works →Why Williamson, Inc.?
Williamson, Inc. is proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring this national educational opportunity to our community.
We believe informed and active citizens help build stronger communities, a stronger economy, and a more prepared workforce.
Through the National Civics Bee, we're encouraging the next generation of community leaders to think critically, participate constructively, and discover how their ideas can make a difference.
Student Applications
How to Enter the National Civics Bee
The competition is free to enter and open to eligible 6th, 7th, and 8th graders. Students attending public, private, charter, and homeschools may participate. Review the official contest rules for complete eligibility requirements.
1
Explore Your Idea
Think about one change, big or small, that could make your school or community better.
Consider the challenge, your proposed solution, and the people who could help make it happen.
2
Prepare Your Responses
Use the official Essay Application Guide to review the four questions, organize your ideas, and understand how applications are evaluated.
Strong responses are typically 150–200 words per question.
View Essay Guide →3
Submit Your Application
Review the official rules and submit your completed responses through the online application portal.
Applications must be submitted by February 2, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
Apply Online →
Submit Your Application →
Important: Students must write their own original responses. Parent-written, group-written, or AI-generated entries are not permitted. See the official contest rules.
Official Competition Materials
National Civics Bee Resource Center
Access official materials from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. These resources can help students prepare, families understand the competition, and educators introduce civic learning opportunities in the classroom.
Student Resources
Application Preparation
2027 Essay Application Guide
Review the official essay prompts, preparation tips, planning materials, and judging rubric to develop a strong application.
View Essay Guide ↗
Competition Overview
2027 Student Flyer
Get a quick introduction to the National Civics Bee, including eligibility, the application process, and competition opportunities.
View Student Flyer ↗
Practice & Learning
Test Your Civic Knowledge
Explore a civic knowledge quiz from The Civic Trust and see how much you know about American government and civics.
Take the Quiz ↗Parent & Guardian Resources
Official Rules
2026–27 Contest Rules
Review eligibility, application requirements, deadlines, and the official rules governing the essay round.
Review Contest Rules ↗
Student Privacy
National Civics Bee Privacy Policy
Understand how information related to student participation is collected, used, shared, and protected.
View Privacy Policy ↗
Competition Information
How the Competition Works
Learn about the application process, finalist selection, regional competitions, State Finals, and the National Championship.
Learn More ↗Educator Resources
Classroom Resources
2027 Educator Toolkit
Access supplemental educational activities and resources that help bring civic learning into the classroom.
View Educator Toolkit ↗
Student Preparation
Essay Writing Resources
Help students understand the four essay questions, explore civic ideas, and organize their individual responses using the official guide.
Access Essay Resources ↗
Share the Opportunity
Spread the Word
Share the official student flyer with eligible students and their families to encourage participation in the 2027 National Civics Bee.
Get the Student Flyer ↗All linked educational materials and official competition rules are provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Official contest rules govern eligibility, requirements, and competition procedures.
Important Dates
2026–27 Competition Timeline
Mark your calendar for the key milestones of the 2027 National Civics Bee competition.
September 2026
Applications Open
The student essay application portal opens for eligible middle school students.
February 2, 2027
Application Deadline
All student applications must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
February 19–28, 2027
Finalist Confirmation Window
The scheduled finalist confirmation period takes place.
March 12–May 1, 2027
Regional Competitions
Regional live competitions take place. Williamson County event details will be announced.
March 12–July 31, 2027
Statewide Competitions
Statewide competitions take place in participating states without regional competitions.
May 15–July 31, 2027
State Finals
Advancing competitors participate in their respective state competitions.
Fall 2027
National Civics Bee Championship
State champions advance to the national competition. The official date will be announced.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation establishes official competition dates and deadlines. Dates are subject to change. Regional and state competitions must take place within the designated windows.
Williamson County Regional Competition
Join Us for the Live Competition
Williamson, Inc. looks forward to welcoming qualifying students to the National Civics Bee in Williamson County.
Selected finalists will have an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge, share their perspectives, and compete for recognition and prizes.
Additional information about the live competition will be shared as details are finalized.
2027 Local Competition
Date: To Be Announced
Time: To Be Announced
Location: To Be Announced
Prizes: Details Coming Soon
Contact Williamson, Inc.Frequently Asked Questions
Have Questions? We've Got Answers.
Who is eligible to participate?
Students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades residing in participating states may apply. Students attending public, private, charter, and homeschools are eligible, subject to the official contest rules.
Does it cost anything to enter?
No. Participation in the National Civics Bee is free for eligible students.
When is the application deadline?
Applications must be submitted by Tuesday, February 2, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time.
What does the essay application involve?
Students complete four short-answer questions about an idea to improve their school or community. The official Essay Application Guide provides the questions, preparation advice, and judging rubric.
Can parents or teachers help students?
Parents and educators can encourage students, discuss civic ideas, and direct them to official preparation materials. However, students must personally write their own original responses. Entries written by another person or generated by artificial intelligence are not permitted.
What happens after a student applies?
Applications are evaluated using the official judging rubric. Selected finalists are invited to participate in a live regional or statewide competition.
Will students receive preparation materials?
Yes. The official Essay Application Guide is available now. Students selected for live competitions will receive additional study resources.
Can students advance beyond the local competition?
Yes. The top three competitors from each regional competition advance to State Finals. One finalist from each state advances to the National Civics Bee Championship.
Where can I find the official rules?
Visit the 2026–27 Essay Round Rules for eligibility, application requirements, and other official competition information.
Community Partnerships
Support the Next Generation
Local businesses and community partners have an opportunity to support civic education and recognize the next generation of engaged citizens.
Interested in learning more about sponsorship opportunities? Contact Williamson, Inc.
Sponsorship Inquiries →Contact Us
Questions About Participating?
We're happy to help connect students, families, and educators with information about the National Civics Bee in Williamson County.
Williamson, Inc.
4031 Aspen Grove Drive, Suite 630
Franklin, TN 37067
Have an Idea? We Want to Hear It.
Your voice matters. Share your ideas, discover the power of civic engagement, and take your first step toward the 2027 National Civics Bee.
Apply by February 2, 2027 →