Greater Vancouver Chamber Opens Registration For The 2027 National Civics Bee® (Photo) - 11/12/26
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 12, 2026
GREATER VANCOUVER CHAMBER OPENS REGISTRATION FOR THE 2027 NATIONAL CIVICS BEE®
Middle school students invited to share ideas for strengthening their communities through civic engagement and in regional competition.
VANCOUVER, Wash. — The Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC) is now accepting essay submissions for the 2027 National Civics Bee®, inviting Southwest Washington middle school students to put their civic knowledge and community problem-solving skills to the test. Organized in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and presented locally by OnPoint Community Credit Union, the educational competition empowers young people to explore American democracy, develop their understanding of civics and discover how they can make a meaningful difference in their communities.
Students in grades 6–8 are encouraged to participate in the first round by submitting a 500–750-word essay identifying an opportunity or challenge in their community and proposing solutions. The prompt encourages students to think critically about local issues, share innovative ideas and recognize their potential as future civic leaders.
Essay submissions are due Tuesday, February 2, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. Students, parents and educators can access the essay prompt and submission guidelines at VancouverUSA.com/Civics-Bee.
“Civic engagement begins when young people realize their voices matter and their ideas can make a difference,” said Janet Kenefsky, chief operating officer of the Greater Vancouver Chamber. “The Civics Bee gives students an opportunity to explore the issues affecting their communities, think critically about solutions and build the confidence to become engaged citizens. We are excited to see the creativity and thoughtful perspectives Southwest Washington students bring to this year’s competition.”
A panel of local business and community leaders will evaluate the essays, selecting 20 students to advance to the final round: a live civics quiz competition in spring 2027. The event will challenge participants’ knowledge of American government, history and civic principles in an engaging, interactive format.
The top three finalists from the local competition will advance to the state-level Civics Bee, where they will compete for additional recognition and opportunities. Local winners will also receive cash prizes: $500 for first place, $250 for second place, and $125 for third place.
The Southwest Washington Civics Bee is presented by OnPoint Community Credit Union, which was founded by teachers in 1932. Through its continued support of students, educators and financial wellness, OnPoint creates opportunities for young people to develop the knowledge and skills needed to thrive.
“We’re proud to support the Southwest Washington Civics Bee as a reflection of our commitment to building strong communities and encouraging the next generation of leaders,” said Amy Reeves, SVP/SW Washington Regional Manager, OnPoint Community Credit Union. “By working alongside organizations that promote civic education, we help create opportunities that empower students and contribute to the long-term success of the communities we serve.”
Additional support for the 2027 competition is provided by The Columbian, AAA Washington, and Five Star Auto Body.
For essay prompts, submission guidelines, competition rules, and resources for teachers and parents, visit VancouverUSA.com/Civics-Bee.
Business and community leaders interested in sponsoring the program are encouraged to contact the Greater Vancouver Chamber at [email protected].
###
About the National Civics Bee
The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In the first round of the contest, local middle school students participate in an essay competition. Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in our local competition: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. The top three students from each local competition will advance to the state competition. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this competition was launched to tackle the lack of knowledge about history and civics among middle school students, exposed by new federal data on the Nation's Report Card. In 2022, the average civics score at eighth grade decreased by 2 points compared to 2018.
About the Greater Vancouver Chamber
SW Washington’s largest business organization, the Greater Vancouver Chamber (GVC), with nearly 1000 members, has been Moving Business Forward in southwest Washington for more than 135 years through business advocacy, community building, education, and creating visibility for our members. The Chamber is a supportive alliance of diverse member businesses, individuals, and organizations, working together toward long-term business prosperity. The GVC is the heart of Clark County’s business community, advocating for sound, sensible and dynamic policies that ensure a vital economic climate and prosperity for all. For more information, please visit VancouverUSA.com.
About OnPoint Community Credit Union
OnPoint Community Credit Union is the largest credit union headquartered in Oregon, serving more than 671,000 members and with assets of $9.49 billion. Founded in 1932, OnPoint Community Credit Union’s membership is available to anyone who lives or works in one of 33 Oregon counties (Baker, Benton, Clackamas, Clatsop, Columbia, Coos, Crook, Curry, Deschutes, Douglas, Gilliam, Hood River, Jackson, Jefferson, Josephine, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, Malheur, Marion, Morrow, Multnomah, Polk, Sherman, Tillamook, Umatilla, Union, Wallowa, Wasco, Washington, Wheeler and Yamhill) and four Washington counties (Cowlitz, Clark, Lewis and Skamania). OnPoint Community Credit Union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA). More information is available at OnPointCU.com.
______________________________________________________
MEDIA ASSETS: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OoWB8D9x35veyO9AeldI2MC-aMKmOSEZ?usp=sharing
