(VISTA, CA – November 6, 2025) – The Vista Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to promote the National Civics Bee Contest to area Middle Schoolers. The contest officially began September 8. Entries will be accepted by 11:59 p.m. HST February 3, 2026. Students throughout San Diego County in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades are eligible to participate.
Students enter the competition by completing an online (or mailed) application and submitting a short essay to the Vista Chamber’s website: www.vistachamber.org/civics-bee.
From the essay submissions, 20 student finalists will be selected to participate in a local live event hosted by the Vista Chamber on March 21, 2026 at the Avo Playhouse. Students will learn who will participate in the live event by March 8, 2026.
The winner of the local event will advance to the State-level competition, where they will represent our region. The state champion will also receive prizes, including $5,000 for their school, then go on to compete in the National Civics Bee in Washington DC.
“The Civics Bee is an annual competition that inspires young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities,” 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 and to encourage students throughout San Diego County to enter.”
Students can learn more about how to enter by visiting www.vistachamber.org/civics-bee.
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.
For more information, contact the Vista Chamber of Commerce at 760-726-1122.
