Feb. 2, 2026
Deadline extended: The application deadline for the 2026 Oregon Civics Bee, presented by Kinder Morgan with support from the Oregon State Capitol Foundation, has been extended to Feb. 17!
About the Bee: Organized in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the Oregon Civics Bee is a competition open to all middle-schoolers – 6th, 7th and 8th graders – in the state. Students enter by submitting an essay in which they identify a problem in their community and recommend solutions that involve civic virtues. Students who write the best essays, as determined by a panel of judges, will be invited to participate in regional bees. The top regional bee finishers will be invited to participate in the Oregon Civics Bee. And the Oregon Civics Bee winner will be invited to participate in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s National Civics Bee®, which will take place in Washington, D.C., in fall 2026.
When are essays due? Essays are now due Feb. 17 and must be submitted using an online portal. Go to OBI’s Oregon Civics Bee web page for a portal application link.
To learn more: The Oregon Civics Bee web page contains links to guidance for students and educators provided by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. These include an educator toolkit, a student essay application guide, a link to the National Civics Bee® website and, of course, an application portal registration link. The page will be updated periodically.
What you can do: Spread the word. Participation in the Oregon Civics Bee is a great way for middle-schoolers to learn about the country’s founding principles and civic virtues – and have some fun while doing it. It’s also a good option for teachers seeking a classroom activity tied to the nation’s 250th anniversary.
