SIDNEY, Neb. — Middle school students across the Nebraska Panhandle are invited to apply for the 2026 National Civics Bee, a nonpartisan civics competition designed to strengthen students’ knowledge of government and civic engagement, according to the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce.

The competition is open to students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades from public, private, charter and home schools. Students begin by submitting a four-paragraph essay identifying a challenge in their community and proposing a solution. Essays must be submitted by Feb. 3.

Top-scoring essays will advance to a live quiz-style competition scheduled for May 6, where students will compete head-to-head on civics knowledge. Winners may advance to the Nebraska State Finals at Innovation Campus in Lincoln, with the opportunity to qualify for the National Championship in Washington, D.C.

The first-place winner at the state finals in June will receive an all-expense-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national competition in fall 2026. National finalists will compete for cash prizes, national recognition and a $100,000 contribution to a 529 education savings plan. With support from the Fisher Global Foundation, the state winner may also earn a $5,000 donation for their school.

“This is a great opportunity for our middle school students,” said Joe McCarn, director of the Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce. “There’s no better time to empower the next generation with a deeper understanding of the rights, responsibilities and values that shape our democracy.”

The application portal is open through Feb. 3 at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time. More information is available at nationalcivicsbee.org. For interview requests or additional information, please contact Joe McCarn, Cheyenne County Chamber of Commerce, at director@cheyennecountychamber.com.?