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The Chelsea Chamber of Commerce proudly announces the continuation of the National Civics Bee®, an initiative launched in 2025 to encourage more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In 2026, the Chelsea Chamber will once again host the program in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The competition in Chelsea will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.

Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. After a distinguished panel of judges reviews the essays, the top 20 students will be selected to advance to their local competition: an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge. The Chelsea Chamber of Commerce will host its local competition in the spring of 2026. The local finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including prizes worth at least $500 for the first-place student.

Participants in the National Civics Bee® will have the chance to gain recognition for their civics knowledge and skills and compete for prestigious prizes throughout the competition. The program enables students to explore issues that matter to their communities, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship. Winners from each of the local competitions across Massachusetts will be invited to take part in the state finals. The first-place winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for prizes worth at least $50,000 during the national championship in the fall of 2026.

“The Chelsea Chamber of Commerce is very excited to continue participating in the National Civics Bee. It is crucial for future generations to have a better understanding of government at all levels. The Chelsea Chamber of Commerce is honored to assist in facilitating this opportunity for the middle school students of the city of Chelsea,” said Jennifer Hassell, Executive Director of the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce.

“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America. The National Civics Bee® provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.

For more information on entering the National Civics Bee® in Massachusetts, visit: https://chelseachamber.org/national-civics-bee/ or nationalcivicsbee.org.

For interview requests or additional information, please contact executivedirector@chelseachamber.org.

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About National Civics Bee®

The National Civics Bee®, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s The Civic Trust®, 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 and local chambers across the country. The National Civics Bee® is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.