Colonial Williamsburg to host 2026 National Civics Bee Virginia State Finals
WILLIAMSBURG – The 3rd Annual National Civics Bee Virginia State Finals will kick off on Friday, July 24, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Hennage Auditorium at Colonial Williamsburg.
The competition brings middle school finalists from across Virginia together for a fast-paced civics test.
Participants are competing for cash prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000. The state champion will advance to the National Championship in Washington, D.C. in November.
The National Civics Bee is designed to encourage more young Americans to become engaged citizens. The state finals are organized through a partnership between the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
In April, a group of 20 sixth- through eighth-grade students took part in the 2026 Regional Civics Bee competition at Jamestown Settlement.
The finalists faced a panel of judges featuring Vice Chair of the James City County Board of Supervisors Ruth Larson, City of Williamsburg Vice Mayor Pat Dent and York County Chairman Douglas Holroyd.
The top three contenders from that competition will advance to the statewide competition on Friday.
Recent studies have found significant gaps in Americans’ understanding of the nation’s democratic processes. More than a third of U.S. adults are unable to name the three branches of government, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Civics Bee is part of a broader initiative to expand civics education throughout the country.
“We are sounding the alarm on the declining civic knowledge among our nation’s youth,” said Carolyn Cawley, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “The National Civics Bee is designed to showcase the knowledge and skills all of us need to thrive in the 21st Century. Let’s work together to address this crisis in civics education.”
The community is invited to attend the National Civics Bee Virginia State Finals and cheer on the competing young scholars. The event is free and open to the public.
For additional information, visit colonialwilliamsburg.org.
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