About the Bee

The NE Chamber Foundation is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee National Championship in Fall 2026.

Why civics?
We are hosting the National Civics Bee Nebraska State Finals because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge throughout Nebraska and celebrating our civic pride.

How to enter

Any 6th, 7th or 8th grade student residing in Nebraska with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their application to participate in the competition.  All applications must be submitted by UPDATED NEW DATE: Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Time.  Visit nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines and resources.

Students should review the Contest Rules below and then apply using the following link: 2026 National Civics Bee Application Link

Resources & additional info

Regional competitions​

April 22 – Sarpy County Chamber of Commerce
                    Contact: Karen Gibler
May 6 – Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce
                    Contact: Joe McCarn
May 7 – Fremont Area Chamber of Commerce
                    Contact: Brenda Wilberding
May 14 – Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce
                    Contact: Rylee Seim
TBD – Kearney Area Chamber of Commerce
                    Contact: Derek Rusher
TBD – Seward County Chamber & Development Partnership
                    Contact: Jonathan Jank

State finals​

Education Partner
Nebraska State Finals - Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Innovation Campus - 2021 Transformation Drive, Lincoln, NE, 68508

Top finalists from each local bee

​The top three finalists from each of Nebraska's locally-hosted National Civics Bee® competitions will be invited to the Nebraska State Finals competition on June 23, 2026.

Nebraska's top finalist will be eligible to compete at the national competition, taking place in Washington D.C. at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters.

Earn recognition and cash prizes

Finalists participating in each local bee as well as in the state competition for Nebraska will be eligible for recognition and cash prizes.

Local & Regional Civics Bee Competition Prizes: 
Each local finalist will receive a participation certificate. There will be one third-place winner receiving a trophy and $125, one second-place winner receiving a trophy and $250, and one first-place winner receiving a trophy and $500.

Nebraska State Finals Competition Prizes:
Each state finalist will receive a participation certificate. There will be one third-place winner receiving a trophy and $250 and one second-place winner receiving a trophy and $500. One first-place winner will receive a trophy, $1,000, plus a potential $5,000 donation to the champion's school.

​National Competition Prizes: 
Each national finalist will receive a participation certificate. There will be one third-place winner receiving a trophy and at least $15,000, one second-place winner receiving a trophy and at least $25,000, and one first-place winner receiving a trophy and a $100,000 529 Plan Contribution.

Sponsorship opportunities

Are you interested in showcasing your company's commitment to developing active and engaged citizens?  For information about available corporate sponsorships, please contact Tera Norris.

Contact us​

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Tera Norris, ​NE Chamber Foundation President.