The Greater Williamsburg National Civics Bee Regional Competition presented by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation!

Celebrating the Next Generation of Civics Leaders

The Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, invites you to attend our regional competition for the National Civics Bee!

This dynamic event showcases the sharpest 6th, 7th, and 8th graders as they demonstrate their civics knowledge and present their innovative ideas for improving our local community. Join us to celebrate their achievements and support their journey to the national stage.

Event Details

• Date: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
• Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
• Location: Jamestown Settlement
• Goal: To recognize top student finalists from the essay round and determine who advances to the State Competition.

The Road to Washington, D.C. & Grand Prizes

The National Civics Bee is more than a quiz—it's a launchpad for future leaders. Students enter by writing an essay proposing solutions to a community problem. The top essayists compete live at this regional event.

What Students Are Competing For:

• Cash Prizes and Recognition for Regional Winners.
• Advancement to the State Competition.
• The State Champion receives a paid trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Championship in Fall 2026.
• The National Champion wins a $100,000 contribution to a 529 plan.
• State winners also earn a potential $5,000 donation for their school.

How Students Enter the Bee

Students (Grades 6-8) must first submit an essay based on the official prompt.

• Essay Deadline: Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. (Hawaii Standard Time).Learn More & Submit Essay: Visit the official site for rules, the application guide, and to enter the competition: https://my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site/NationalCivicsBee2026

Community Support: Sponsorship Opportunities

By sponsoring the National Civics Bee, your organization demonstrates a direct investment in local civics education, youth leadership, and the future of our community.

All contributions to the GWCC National Civics Bee program are made through the Greater Williamsburg Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a recognized 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (501(c)(3) number: 54-1945838). Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of your contribution.

Interested in attending or becoming a sponsor? Please use the links provided on this website page to Register to Attend (free) or to Purchase a Sponsorship Package and show your support!

A Special Thank You to Our Presenting Sponsor

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation for their extraordinary commitment to civics education and their generous support as our Presenting Sponsor for the National Civics Bee Regional Competition.

About Our Host: The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

We are honored to host the 2026 Regional Civics Bee at the Jamestown Settlement, one of the world-class museums administered by the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation. The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation (JYF) is an educational agency of the Commonwealth of Virginia, operating Jamestown Settlement and the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown. Its mission is to foster an awareness and understanding of the early history, settlement, and development of the United States through the convergence of American Indian, European, and African cultures and the enduring legacies bequeathed to the nation.

Jamestown Settlement opened in 1957, marking the 350th anniversary of America’s first permanent English settlement. As an accredited museum, it continues to provide powerful historical context through expansive exhibition galleries and living-history areas—making it the ideal location to inspire the next generation of civic-minded leaders.