Alabama middle school students will test their civics knowledge and compete for prizes and recognition.
Montgomery, Alabama – The Alabama Chambers is excited to host the 2026 National Civics Bee® State Finals presented by Kinder Morgan at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts on July 16, 2026. The event is open to the public, inviting community members to attend and cheer on these talented young civic leaders, with opportunities to participate in a live audience civics quiz.
Organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee is an annual nonpartisan competition for middle school students that strengthens civic knowledge, skills, and disposition among young Americans, their families, and communities. The competition inspires students to become better informed about American democracy, engage respectfully and constructively in their community, and build greater trust in others and institutions.
6th, 7th, and 8th grade students from public, private, charter, and home schools first competed in a civics essay round and the second-round Regional Competition. The top finalists from each Regional Competition will advance to the National Civics Bee State Finals at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts: an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round in which finalists will discuss their proposals for improving their communities.
Join us as we cheer on the 2026 National Civics Bee State Finalists: Emori H., Henry H., Maksymilian J., Jay K., Robert M., Ian M., Luke R., and Sydney V. These finalists will be representing communities such as Auburn, Birmingham, Dutton, Helena, Opelika, and Rainsville.
National Civics Bee State Finalists will have the opportunity to compete for prizes. The top finalist from the State Finals will advance to the National Championship! Prizes include cash awards, trophies, recognition, and a $100,000 contribution to a 529 plan for the National Championship.
“We are thrilled to be hosting the second annual National Civics Bee® Alabama State Final competition. We know that a keen understanding of civics is paramount to a strong, growing national economy,” stated Paige Hutto, president & CEO, Alabama Chambers. “It is imperative that our future leaders have a broad, solid understanding of the importance they play in their local communities and beyond."
The state competition is sponsored by Kinder Morgan, Alabama Power, Alabama Mountain Lakes Tourist Association, Alabama Trucking Association, and Central Alabama Electric Cooperative. If your business or organization is interested in sponsoring the competition, please email paige@alabamachambers.com.
“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 participated – 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.
For more information about the National Civics Bee in Montogomery, Alabama visit: https://www.alabamachambers.org/national-civics-bee/ . For interview requests or additional information, please contact Paige Hutto, paige@alabamachambers.com.
###
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.