Submitted Photo Students compete in the 2025 National Civics Bee local event at Minot State University.

The Minot Area Chamber EDC is inviting sixth, seventh and eighth grade students from public, private and home schools in and around Minot to apply for the 2026 National Civics Bee, a nonpartisan competition created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

Students begin by submitting a four-paragraph essay proposing ideas to improve their communities. Resources are available to help students develop and submit their essays. Top-scoring essay finalists will advance to a live quiz competition to be held in Minot.

Finalists who advance beyond the local competition may qualify for regional, state and national live quiz competitions, with opportunities to earn prizes and recognition while strengthening civics knowledge, writing and public-speaking skills.

The first-place winner of the North Dakota state finals will earn a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Civics Bee championship in fall 2026. National finalists will compete for cash prizes, national recognition and a $100,000 education savings plan contribution. Through support from the Fisher Global Foundation, the first-place winner in each state may also secure a $5,000 donation for their school.

The application portal is open now through Feb. 4, at 3:59 a.m. Students without access to the internet or a computer may submit applications by mail.

“This is our second year presenting the National Civics Bee after hosting the only bee in the state in 2025,” said Carla Dolan, vice president of the Minot Area Chamber EDC. “The winner of the 2025 event advanced to the state and national competitions. We are proud to offer this opportunity to area youth and encourage civic knowledge for our future workforce.”