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
