With the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The National Civics Bee is an essay contest for Washington County middle schoolers.
- Who can enter Any 6th, 7th or 8th grade student living in Washington County, in a public, private or charter school, or homeschooled.
- What they write An essay on how they would use civics to address a problem in their own community.
Why a chamber runs a civics contest
The chamber says informed citizens make for a strong economy and a strong workforce.
The Forest Grove/Cornelius Chamber is participating in the National Civics Bee because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three.
The chamber, in the Forest Grove News-Times, January 2025.
This chamber and Tigard were the only Oregon chambers selected to host the 2025 cycle.
The National Civics Bee is run by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation through its Civic Trust. In the 2025 cycle it opened to chambers nationwide for the first time, and the Forest Grove / Cornelius and Tigard chambers were the only Oregon chambers selected to host it.
The 2026 cycle
Who can enter, when the essay is due, and where the final is held.
- Who can enter Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Washington County with an idea about using civics to improve their community.
- Essay deadline February 17, 2026, by 11:59 HST.
- National championship Washington, DC, in fall 2026.
- Prizes Recognition and cash prizes. Contact the chamber for prize details.
- Partner U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
- Sponsorship The chamber has been looking for sponsors for the local round.
- Where to apply Through the national entry site.
Call 503-357-3006 before you enter a student.
The national entry siteFrom parents and teachers
From here