CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, in collaboration with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is organizing a regional Civics Bee competition for students during the current school year. This initiative aims to deepen civic understanding among young learners through both written and interactive formats.
Participants from sixth to eighth grade across public, private, charter, and homeschool settings in eastern Iowa are encouraged to take part. The competition includes an essay submission phase followed by quiz-style rounds progressing from local to state and eventually national levels.
Juliet Abdel, President and CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, emphasized the importance of youth involvement in community affairs. She noted that the event offers a dynamic platform for students to express their perspectives and contribute to civic dialogue. Hosting the event locally, she added, allows the region to spotlight the enthusiasm and intellectual curiosity of its younger generation.
Winners at the local stage will move on to the Iowa State Finals, with the top performer advancing to the National Championship in Washington, D.C., scheduled for fall 2026. At the national level, finalists will vie for monetary awards, public recognition, and a $100,000 contribution to a 529 college savings plan.
The nationwide rollout of the Civics Bee across all 50 states is part of a broader effort to strengthen civic education in anticipation of the United States’ 250th anniversary in 2026. Hilary Crow, Vice President of Civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation, highlighted the significance of this moment, stating that it presents both an opportunity and a duty to revitalize civic learning. The goal, she explained, is to motivate schools to place greater emphasis on civics, helping students grasp how democratic institutions function and how they can actively participate in shaping society.
Applications for the competition are currently open and will remain so until February 3, 2026. Additional details and registration information are available online.
— news from KCRG
— News Original —
Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance to host a local Civics Bee competition
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – The Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a local Civics Bee competition for the current academic year. n nThe local Civics Bee features a written essay competition and live quiz events at the local, state, and national levels. n nAll eastern Iowa students in grades sixth through eighth from public, private, charter, and home school communities are invited to participate. n n“The Civics Bee is an exciting way to encourage our youth to engage in civics by utilizing their voices and ideas to shape their local community,” said Juliet Abdel, President & CEO of the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance. “We are honored to host the competition locally and look forward to celebrating creativity, knowledge, and energy that our youth possess.” n nLocal finalists will compete in the Iowa State Finals, and the state winner will advance to the National Championship in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2026. n nThe national contestants will compete for cash prizes, recognition, and a $100,000 529 education savings plan contribution. n nThis year’s national event will be hosted across all 50 states to celebrate America’s upcoming 250th anniversary in 2026. n n“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we have a powerful opportunity – and responsibility – to reignite civic learning across the county,” added Hilary Crow, Vice President of Civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “Our hope is that the National Civics Bee inspires more schools to prioritize civics education, equipping young people with a deeper understanding of how our government and democracy work – and the essential role they play in strengthening their communities and our nation.” n nThe application is open now till February 3, 2026. For further information, visit here.