Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (Alabama Chambers) Hosts National Civics Bee® in Montgomery, Alabama for Middle Schoolers
Montgomery, Alabama - On Thursday, July 16, 2026, the Alabama Chambers hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee State Competition presented by Kinder Morgan at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts, 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.
6th, 7th, and 8th grade students from public, private, charter, and home schools have already taken part in the first-round civics essay competition and the second-round Regional Competitions. The top three finalists from each Regional Competition advanced to Alabama Chamber’s State Finals: an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round in which students discussed their proposals for improving their communities. Jay K. from Auburn, who attends Indian Springs School in Pelham, took first place, followed by Maksymilian J. in second place and Henry H. in third place, both from the Birmingham area. The judges for this year’s competition were Dylan Arnette, Public Affairs Specialist with Kinder Morgan; Lillian Pitman, Legislative Policy Analyst with the Alabama League of Municipalities; and Laura Strickland, IOM, President/CEO of the Sylacauga Chamber and Board Chair of Alabama Chambers.
The top three finalists impressed the judges with their shared passion for creating opportunities for people to openly discuss current issues and exchange ideas while respecting diverse perspectives, opinions, and cultures.
“The National Civics Bee continues to prove that Alabama's young people are thoughtful, innovative, and deeply invested in their communities. It has been inspiring to watch these students share their ideas and passion for civic engagement. Congratulations to our state champion, and thank you to every finalist for reminding us that the future of our state is in very capable hands,” said Alabama Chambers President and CEO, Paige Hutto.
The first-place winner received a $1,000 cash prize and earned 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 National finalist will receive $25,000, and the third-place National finalist will receive $15,000.
“The overall experience was wonderful, but my favorite part was meeting other students who share my passion for civics and are eager to learn more about it. I’m especially excited for my first trip to Washington, D.C., where I’ll meet students from across the country, represent my state, and exchange ideas and knowledge about civics,” shared state competition winner, Jay K.
For more information on the National Civics Bee, visit: https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee/
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Paige Hutto, President/CEO
Alabama Chambers
paige@alabamachambers.com
(334) 240-8752
About the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama
Since its beginning in 1937 as the Alabama Association of Commercial Organizations, what is now known as the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (Alabama Chambers) has remained dedicated to its mission of building stronger chambers across our state while advocating that chambers of commerce are the premier local business advocates in the State of Alabama. Through The Partnership with the Business Council of Alabama, a non-partisan organization, the two organizations represent the interests and concerns of over 1 million working Alabamians every day.
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities – today and tomorrow.
About the National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state, regional, and local organizations across the country. The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Carnegie Corporation of New York, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS/PHOTO GALLERY FROM THE EVENT COMING SOON!