NE Chamber Foundation to Host 2026 National Civics Bee® Nebraska State Finals June 23

NE Chamber Foundation to Host 2026 National Civics Bee® Nebraska State Finals June 23
17 middle school students will showcase their civics knowledge and compete for prizes and recognition.
LINCOLN, Nebraska – June 17, 2026 – Seventeen students from across Nebraska will compete June 23 at the first 2026 National Civics Bee Nebraska State Finals at Nebraska Innovation Campus. Hosted by the Nebraska Chamber Foundation, the initiative is aimed at encouraging young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
 
The 6th, 7th and 8th grade students from Nebraska public, private, charter and home schools have already taken part in the first-round civics essay competition and second-round Regional Competitions. The top students from each Regional Competition were selected to advance to Nebraska’s State Finals: an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round in which students will discuss their proposals for improving their communities.
 
The first-place winner of the Nebraska Finals on June 23 will receive a cash prize and earn a trip to the National Finals in Washington, D.C. where they can win a grand prize of a $100,000 contribution to a 529 plan.
 
The Nebraska Finals will be livestreamed for viewers to watch at https://www.nechamber.com/necivicsbee-regional-725237.html
 
The occasion of the United States 250 celebration prompted the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to engage all 50 states and their Chambers in holding state Civics Bees for a truly national effort for the first time. Civic engagement and literacy are a primary goal of Chambers of Commerce, because individuals’ and families’ knowledge and embracing principles of civics leads to stronger communities.
 
Participating students, their schools and hometowns are (children’s full names are not provided without parental permission):

• Grayson A., Emerson-Hubbard Community Schools, Emerson
• Cecilia A., Hemingford, Alliance
• Mya B., Barr Middle, Grand Island
• Joseph D., Fremont Middle, Fremont
• Michael F., Seward Middle, Seward
• Nor H., Barr Middle, Grand Island
• Aria H., St. Johns Battle Creek, Battle Creek
• Xi L., Elkhorn Ridge Middle, Elkhorn
• Brynn L., Creek Valley, Chappell
• Sadie M., Columbus Middle, Columbus
• Madison O., Laurel-Concord-Coleridge, Concord
• Landon R., Fremont Middle, Fremont
• Chloe S., Sidney, Sidney
• Olivia V., King Science & Tech Magnet Center, Omaha
• Ty W., Seward Middle, Seward
• Savannah W., Beadle Middle, Omaha
• Lily W., Pleasanton Public Schools, Pleasanton

The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee elevates civics as a national priority through a network of state, regional, and local organizations across the country.
 
“Each year, the National Civics Bee reminds us how much promise and talent exists in communities across the country,” said Hilary Crow, Vice President, Civics, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “Students step up with thoughtful solutions, bold ideas and a willingness to participate — exactly the qualities our democracy and workforce need. We’re proud to support a program that strengthens civic knowledge and skills for all young people and helps build the foundation for a stronger future.”
 
The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.

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