2026 Brings First National Civics Bee to Louisiana
Shreveport, LA (press release) – The 2026 National Civics Bee will take place in Louisiana for the first time through a collaborative effort between the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and regional partners across the state.
Five regional competitions will take place statewide, three located in North Louisiana, one in Jefferson Parish and one in St. Tammany Parish.
The Greater Shreveport Chamber spearheaded the effort to bring the 2026 National Civics Bee to Louisiana and will host one of the regional sites in North Louisiana.
In addition to hosting, the chamber will promote the program regionally and coordinate student participation in the essay phase.
“We’re thrilled to bring the National Civics Bee to Louisiana for the first time,” said Dr. Tim Magner, president of the Greater Shreveport Chamber. “This competition celebrates the promise of civic education and gives our young people a platform to learn, lead and inspire. It’s an investment in our future leaders and in the strength of our communities.”
Students who advance from the regional competitions will move on to the Louisiana State Finals, which will be hosted in partnership with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry (LABI).
The state winner will then represent Louisiana at the National Championship in Washington, D.C., in the fall of 2026.
How to Apply to the National Civics Bee
- Students submit a four-paragraph essay identifying a community issue and proposing a solution.
- Essays connect real-world challenges to civic principles and founding values.
- Top essays advance to regional and state-level competitions, with opportunities to qualify for the national championship.
Students in 6th, 7th and 8th grades from public, private, charter and homeschool settings are eligible to participate.
The National Civics Bee essay submission portal is now open and will remain open through February 3.
Additionally, eligible students are encouraged to begin drafting and submit their essays before the deadline to be considered for advancement to regional and state-level competitions.
