Sixth to eighth grade students, including those in West Oʻahu, are invited to participate in the upcoming 2026 National Civics Bee. Students from public, private, charter and home schools are eligible.

Sponsored by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser and created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the bee is an annual competition meant to encourage community engagement and civics awareness in youth. Students will identify a community challenge and write a four-paragraph essay, in which they propose a solution to the issue and explain how the solution is grounded in the nation’s civic principles.

“The National Civics Bee inspires young people to think critically, contribute locally and embrace civic responsibility,” states Sherry Menor, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawai ʻi. “After such a successful first year, we’re excited to do it again, giving Hawaiʻi’s youth another incredible opportunity to use their voices and leadership to shape the future of our islands.”

Essays must be submitted online by 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 3 at bit.ly/4oN2jp6.

Top essayists will participate in the Hawaiʻi State Finals on April 18 at Kaimukī High School’s auditorium. Cash prizes include $1,000 for first place (and $5,000 for their school), $500 for second and $250 for third. The champion will then represent Hawaiʻi in the National Civic Bee in Washington, D.C., in fall 2026 for a chance to win a $100,000 college savings 529 Plan contribution.

For more info, visit cochawaii.org/national-civics-bee.

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