National Civics Bee®
About the National Civics Bee
The Overland Park Chamber Foundation partners with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host the National Civics Bee® competition in Johnson County presented in 2026 by The Shipley - Westbrook Trust!
The National Civics Bee® is a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will showcase their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes.
- In the first round of the contest, local middle school students participate in an essay competition.
- Judges then select 20 finalists to participate in the local competition for a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. The local competition is held in mid-April.
- The top 3 students from the local competition advance to the state competition.
- The finalist from the state competition is invited to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Civics Bee® national championship in the Fall.
How to Enter
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Kansas with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their essay to participate in one local competition in their state. The essay portal for the 2027 National Civics Bee® in Northeast Kansas opens in Fall 2026.
Visit www.nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines and resources.
Why Civics?
“Civics is such an important topic, but we believe it is one that doesn’t get enough attention. We’re excited to be part of this effort to increase understanding in how our government functions, counter the polarization that is occurring in our political environment and enhance participation in our democratic process."
- Tracey Osborne Oltjen, Overland Park Chamber President
Recap of the 2026 Bee
Twenty finalists from across northeast Kansas competed live in the Northeast Kansas National Civics Bee on April 21 , 2026, at Johnson County Community College, after submitting essays with ideas to solve real community challenges. We're proud to celebrate these students for their civic knowledge, hard work and commitment to making a difference.
First Place
Emeline W.
Shawnee Mission School District
Third Place
Caspian K.
Olathe Public Schools
Second Place
Noah P.
Shawnee Mission School District
Top 5 Finalists
Caspian K., Kamron K., Cooper F., Emeline W. and Noah P.
The top three winners of the first round held in Overland Park, along with three winners from each of the other Kansas communities hosting a National Civics Bee® competition, participated in state finals at the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita in May 2025.
At the state competition, three Overland Park middle school students took first, second, and third place:
2026 Sponsors
Presenting Sponsor:
The Shipley - Westbrook Trust
If you have questions or would like additional information, please contact Courtney Cavlovic, Workforce Program Coordinator at ccavlovic@opchamber.org or (913) 766-7611.