St. Paul, MN – Minnesota middle school students are competing in the National Civics Bee for the first time this year, as the YMCA Center for Youth Voice has been named state lead by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation as part of its effort to bring the nationwide competition to all 50 states. A total of 14 students will participate in the state final June 14 from 1-3 p.m. at the Minnesota History Center.
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary in 2026, this nonpartisan competition challenges students to showcase their civics knowledge, engage in their communities and build trust in others and institutions.
“The National Civics Bee asks middle school students a simple but powerful question: What would you do to make your community better? We want to hear their ideas and give them a platform to share those ideas with the world,” said Amy Anderson, executive director of the YMCA Center for Youth Voice.
Students submitted essays this winter to enter the National Civics Bee. Five Minnesota Chambers of Commerce hosted regional competitions in Anoka, Brainerd, Hermantown, Monticello and Saint Paul. Top performers have advanced to the state final, and one Minnesotan will compete in the national final this fall.
State finalists include:
- Ava K., Ordean East Middle School
- Camile N., Ordean East Middle School
- Cora G., Ordean East Middle School
- Ella K., Capitol Hill Gifted & Talented Magnet
- Emily H., New Prague Middle School
- Fern S., Forestview Middle School
- Henry S., Monticello Middle School
- Justus A., Forestview Middle School
- Maggie P., Forestview Middle School
- Merryn C., Cedarberg Homeschool
- Molly H., Monticello Middle School
- Roslyn S., Lakes International Language Academy
- Sophie C., Shakopee West Middle School
- Tyler F., Monticello Middle School
The state finalists will compete in two rounds of 10-question civics quizzes on stage. The top five scorers will then advance to a Q&A round, where each student will present a brief summary of their civics essay and respond to questions from a panel of judges, including Melanie Hazelip, Office of the Minnesota Secretary of State; Mercedes McFarland Jackson, Fredrikson & Byron; and Michelle Maryns, Minnesota Council on Foundations.
Scores from all three rounds will be combined and the top three finishers will be awarded a trophy and a cash prize: $250 for third place, $500 for second place and $1,000 for first place. The first-place finisher will also earn the honor of representing Minnesota at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C.
Annastasia G. Collier, senior vice president of social impact at the YMCA of the North, will emcee the event. Jennifer Byers, executive director of the Minnesota Chamber Foundation, will open the competition with welcoming remarks.
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 Minnesota Chamber of Commerce is proud to partner with the YMCA Center for Youth Voice to support this initiative”, said Doug Loon, president and CEO, Minnesota Chamber of Commerce. “Engaging Minnesota youth in a discussion of the importance of democracy and community leadership will help inspire our next generation of leaders in Minnesota.”
“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 the National Civics Bee, visit nationalcivicsbee.org. For additional information on the National Civics Bee in Minnesota, please contact amy.anderson@ymcamn.org.
WHAT: 2026 National Civics Bee in Minnesota state final competition
WHERE: Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55102
WHEN: Sunday, June 14, from 1-3 p.m.
Contact: Amy Anderson, 651-955-1679, or Brianne Leibham, 715-461-0460
About the YMCA of the North
The YMCA of the North is a leading nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Established 170 years ago, the Y seeks to be the leader in experiences that foster wellbeing for people and communities. By nurturing the potential of every child and teen, improving health and wellbeing, and supporting and serving our neighbors, the Y ensures that everyone has the opportunity to become healthier, more confident, connected and secure. To learn more about the Y’s mission and work, visit www.ymcanorth.org.