Civics Bee
Calling all middle school students!
Share your ideas and flex your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee® Regional Competition.
About the Bee
The Vista Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans 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. The top 3 finalists of the Regional Competition will be invited to Sacramento to participate in the State Competition. Winners of the State Competition will be awarded $5,000 back to their school. Students will then be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee National Championship in Fall 2026.
Why Civics?
The Vista Chamber of Commerce is participating in the National Civics Bee because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in California and celebrating our civic pride.
How to Enter?
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in California with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their application to participate in their state. All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time. Visit www.nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources.
Students should review the Contest Rules below and then apply using the following link:
Resources/Additional Info:
Vista Live Event Info
Saturday, March 21 | 12:00 - 4:00pm
AVO Theater | 303 Main St.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you interested in showcasing your company's commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available corporate sponsorships, please contact Vista Chamber CEO Rachel Beld at ceo@vistachamber.org.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Workforce Development Specialist Koko Rapoport at workforce@vistachamber.org.
Regional Competition Round Rules
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation (the “Foundation”) provides the following rules to Regional Hosts as a template for National Civics Bee Regional Competitions. The Foundation defines a “Regional Competition” as a National Civics Bee-sanctioned live competition organized and operated by an organization authorized by the Foundation to host a Regional Competition (a “Regional Host”), after completion of the National Civics Bee Essay Round.
These Regional Rules are not intended for use in any other rounds of the National Civics Bee Competition (the “NCB Contest”). All participants must comply with the applicable rules for each round of the NCB Contest, which may include an Essay Round, a Regional Competition, a State or Statewide Competition, and the National Competition.
The operation of each Regional Competition is the sole responsibility of the Regional Host, and the Foundation takes no responsibility for running the Regional Competition, including compliance with all federal, state, and local laws and regulations applicable to the Regional Competition (collectively, “Applicable Law”). Please note Applicable Law may apply to the running of the Regional Competition (e.g., laws on entry into competitions where there is a cash prize), and it is the sole responsibility of the Regional Host to comply with all such Applicable Law. While these Regional Rules are intended to follow general best practices in competitions like the NCB Contest rounds, the Foundation makes no representation or warranty regarding the Regional Rules’ compliance with Applicable Law and expressly disclaims any such warranty.
All questions or concerns related to a Regional Competition should be submitted to the applicable Regional Host, not the Foundation. Regional Hosts are listed at nationalcivicsbee.org and are searchable by zip code.