Vista, CA – The Vista Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring the National Civics Bee to Vista for the 2025-2026 program year. This annual initiative – now expanding to all 50 states in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 – invites middle school students to showcase their civics knowledge, engage in their communities, and build trust in others and institutions through a nonpartisan, multi-round competition.
The National Civics Bee begins with a written essay and culminates in live events at the regional, state, and national levels. Finalists who advance to the National Championship in Washington, D.C., will compete for cash prizes, national recognition, and a $100,000 529 education savings plan contribution. Thanks to the generous support of the Fisher Global Foundation, the first-place winner in each state may also secure a $5,000 donation for their school.
The essay application portal opened on September 8, 2025, at 6:01pm Hawaii Standard Time (HST) and closes on February 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Hawaii Standard Time (HST). All students in grades 6-8 are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/ncb-how-it-works/.
“We are thrilled to bring the National Civics Bee to Vista and give our middle school students a chance to shine on a national stage. The Vista Chamber is greatly committed to investing in youth and in civic engagement. This is the perfect opportunity to inspire the next generation of leaders to engage with their communities, understand the foundations of our democracy, and see themselves as active participants in shaping the future.” said Rachel Beld, CEO of the Vista Chamber of Commerce.
“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we have a powerful opportunity – and responsibility – to reignite civic learning across the country. Our hope is that the National Civics Bee inspires more schools to prioritize civics education, equipping young people with a deeper understanding of how our government and democracy work – and the essential role they play in strengthening their communities and our nation,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
For more information about entering the National Civics Bee, visit nationalcivicsbee.org. For interview requests or additional information, please contact Vista Chamber of Commerce CEO Rachel Beld at ceo@vistachamber.org.
About the Vista Chamber of Commerce
The Vista Chamber of Commerce is a diverse organization that is focused on impacting our community in a powerful way. For more than 100 years, the Vista Chamber of Commerce has represented our community by advocating for businesses, planning for our community’s future, giving back through our non-profits, and partnering to make Vista a sought-after place to do business, raise families, shop, dine, and play.
About 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.
