VISTA, CA – January 26, 2026 – Today’s students are engaged, highly creative problem-solvers eager to make the world a better place. To encourage and celebrate these young people, the Vista Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to inspire and celebrate young leaders through the National Civics Bee Contest. All students throughout the U.S. in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades can enter by submitting a short essay proposing their ideas for improving their communities.
Students can still enter the competition by mailing in their application or following this link on the Vista Chamber website: www.vistachamber.org/civics-bee.
The deadline to enter is Tuesday, February 3rd.
On March 8th, applicants will learn who made the top 20 finalist list. These students will be asked to participate in a local, live event on March 21st at the Avo Playhouse in Vista Village. All finalists will take home a tablet. The top three winners will win cash prizes of $500, $250, and $125. These top three winners will then advance to the State-level competition in Sacramento, where they will represent our region.
The state champion will also receive cash and prizes, including $5,000 for their school, and then go on to compete in the National Civics Bee in Washington, DC, later this spring. The National Winner may win a $100,000 college savings plan.
“The Civics Bee is an annual competition that inspires young Americans to share how they would solve community challenges and engage in civics,” says Rachel Beld, Vista Chamber CEO. “This is a non-partisan initiative to enhance civic literacy skills and increase participation in our democracy. We are thrilled to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring this contest to students throughout San Diego County.”
The Civics Bee is part of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Civic Trust initiative. It is designed to strengthen America’s long-term competitiveness and to educate citizens on the conditions necessary for business and communities to thrive. It also shows how businesses proactively impact communities.
If you’d like to attend the March 21st awards recognition event, which is free to the public, or have any questions, contact the Vista Chamber of Commerce at 760-726-1122. You can also email Koko Rappaport at workforce@vistachamber.org.
