Round Rock Chamber Foundation Hosts National Civics Bee® for Middle Schoolers

Today the Round Rock Chamber Foundation hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee in Round Rock, Texas, an initiative aimed at encouraging more 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.

“Each year, the National Civics Bee reminds us how much promise and talent exists in communities across the country. 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.” said Hilary Crow, Vice President, Civics, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

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 Round Rock’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.

The Round Rock Regional winners were:
– 1st Place: Vihaan K. from BASIS Cedar Park
– 2nd Place: Anika K. from Pearson Ranch Middle School
– 3rd Place: Norah W. from Canyon Vista Middle School

The judges for this year’s competition were: Round Rock Chief of Police Allen Banks; Round Rock City Councilmembers Melissa Fleming and Hilda Montgomery; and Round Rock Chamber President & CEO Jordan Robinson.

“The Round Rock Chamber Foundation was proud to host the inaugural National Civics Bee regional competition as part of our commitment to developing informed, engaged young leaders,” said Robinson.”Investing in civic education at an early age matters, and we were incredibly impressed by the students’ knowledge, thoughtfulness, and passion for their communities. We’re proud of each of them for stepping up and participating in this meaningful experience.”

The first-place winner received a $500 cash prize and will advance to the state competition 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 University of Texas at Austin School of Civic Leadership will host the National Civics Bee Texas State Finals on June 6 at UT Austin.

For more information on the National Civics Bee, visit: https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee/