The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee in Arlington, an initiative aimed at encouraging young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee is an annual nonpartisan civics competition for middle schoolers that increases civic knowledge, skills and disposition among young Americans, their families and communities.
“As we celebrate Arlington and America’s 250th year, the importance of civics and understanding how our government was designed has never been more critical,” Greater Arlington Chamber President & CEO Michael Jacobson said. “Civics help you understand how decisions get made and how things actually work around you. It gives you the tools to ask smart questions and to form your own opinions.”
Former mayor and guest speaker Jeff Williams challenged the students to never give up and collaborate with others to solve problems in their community.
Emcee Valerie Landry, Chair of the Greater Arlington Chamber’s Education, Workforce & Community Development Committee, walked the students through the night’s competition.
Students across the country submitted essays on issues in their communities, which were then reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges. Top students were selected to compete in the Greater Arlington Chamber’s Regional Competition: an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics quiz questions followed by a Q&A in which students discussed their proposals for improving their communities.
Sophia T. from Grace Preparatory Academy took first place, followed by Alyssa L. from Nichols Junior High and Grayson W. from Young Junior High for second and third places, respectively. The judges for this year’s competition were Becky Gerro, Giana Ortiz and Brig Serman.
“Each year, the National Civics Bee reminds us how much promise and talent exists in communities across the country,” Hilary Crow, Vice President, Civics, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, said. “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 first-place winner received a $500 cash prize and will advance to the state competition hosted by the School of Civic Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin along with other top finalists. The top state winners will receive various prizes, up to $1,000. The state’s first-place winner will earn a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship in the Fall of 2026, where they can win a grand prize of a $100,000 contribution to a 529 plan. The second-place finalist will receive $25,000, and the third-place National finalist will receive $15,000.
The School of Civic Leadership at the University of Texas at Austin will host the National Civics Bee Texas State Finals on June 6.
For more information on the National Civics Bee, click here.
About the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce brings together public and private-sector strategic partners to identify trends and address challenges that will positively affect the future of our economy and community. As Arlington’s oldest and largest business organization, we are committed to serving our 1,000+ members and advocating for the ‘Can Do’ business community of greater Arlington.
About U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.
About the National Civics Bee®
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 helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state, regional, and local organizations across the country. The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Carnegie Corporation of New York, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.