2026 National Civics Bee held in Champaign

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. (WAND) - The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee® in Champaign on Saturday at Parkland College.

Middle school students from across central Illinois came to showcase their civic knowledge, critical thinking and passion for community engagement.

Organized in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee® is an annual nonpartisan competition that encourages young Americans to become informed and active participants in democracy.

Students in grades 6 through 8 first competed in an essay round by identifying real issues facing their communities and proposing solutions.

Judges picked 20 finalists to advance to the live regional competition in Champaign.

During the competition, finalists participated in two rounds of civics questions followed by a live Q&A round where students presented and discussed their ideas to the judges.

The top finalists will advance to the National Civics Bee® competition in Springfield on July 31.

The top three finalists were:

First Place — David W.

Second Place — Stuthi S.

Third Place — Lila F.