The Wyoming Chamber of Commerce Foundation is teaming up with the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring back the 2026 National Civics Bee—Wyoming edition. Applications are officially open for sixth-, seventh-, and eighth-graders who want to show off their civics smarts, pitch ideas to improve their hometowns, and compete for recognition and cash prizes.
“Civic engagement is at the heart of strong communities, and the National Civics Bee gives Wyoming students the chance to see just how much their ideas can shape the future,” said Dale Steenbergen, president and CEO of the Wyoming Chamber of Commerce. “By participating, these young leaders are not only competing, they’re learning how their voices and actions can make a lasting impact for Wyoming and beyond.”
Regional hosts:
- Greater Cheyenne Chamber of Commerce
- Casper Area Chamber of Commerce
- Thermopolis–Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce
- Elevate Glenrock
Students apply once and, if selected, will compete at one of the regional events listed above. Finalists from each regional advance to the Wyoming State Finals. The state champion moves on to the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, DC in fall 2026—with a shot at a grand cash prize on the national stage.
Who can enter
- Eligibility: Any Wyoming student in grades 6–8 with an idea for using civics to make their community better.
- Nonpartisan: The competition is proudly nonpartisan and focused on real-world problem solving and civic knowledge.
Think of the Bee as a civics showcase with a practical twist:
- Show what you know: Demonstrate understanding of how government and communities work.
- Pitch solutions: Develop an idea to strengthen your town, school, or neighborhood—something concrete and doable.
- Compete for prizes: Earn recognition (and cash) at the regional, state, and national levels.
The Wyoming Chamber says the Bee isn’t just about memorizing facts—it’s about getting young people comfortable using their voice, building workable solutions, and understanding how change actually happens. In their words: informed and engaged citizens are the backbone of a strong country, economy, and workforce.
Key deadline (don’t miss it)
- Applications due: Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2026, at 3:59 p.m. MT
- How to apply:org/civicsbee
(Pro tip for teachers and parents: help students start early so their ideas are sharp and specific—what problem are they solving, who benefits, and how will they measure success?)
The Chamber network keeps coming back to the Civics Bee because good civics is good for communities and the economy. Students who learn how to navigate city councils, school boards, and state agencies become adults who can start projects, launch businesses, join local boards, and lead. It’s long-term community capacity-building, and the Bee turns that into a fun, competitive milestone.
What happens after regionals
- Regional competitions select finalists.
- Wyoming State Finals crown the state champion.
- National Championship (Washington, DC, fall 2026): Wyoming’s champion competes against winners from across the country for top honors and the grand prize.
Exact event dates, venues, and prize details will be posted by the host chambers and on the application website as they’re finalized.
How to get your student ready
- Encourage a local focus: Issues like crosswalk safety, library access, small-business support, public lands stewardship, teen mental health resources, or community recycling programs are all fair game if they’re specific and actionable.
- Connect with local leaders: City staff, school administrators, nonprofits, or county commissioners can help students pressure-test ideas.
- Keep it nonpartisan and practical: The strongest entries explain who does what, which rules apply, how to fund it, and how to measure impact.
Got a middle-schooler with a big idea and the grit to pitch it? Apply by Feb. 4 at 3:59 p.m. MT: www.wyomingchamberofcommerce.org/civicsbee
The original story by for Oil City News.
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