POTTSVILLE, PA - The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that it has once again been selected as a Regional Partner for the 2026 National Civics Bee®, a nationwide initiative led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to promote civic engagement and education among middle school students.

Building on the success of last year’s local competition, the Schuylkill Chamber will once again host a regional round of the Bee in 2026, offering local 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students the opportunity to showcase their knowledge of civics, share their ideas for community improvement, and compete for prizes and recognition at the local, state, and national levels.

The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is participating in the National Civics Bee® because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in Pennsylvania and celebrating our civic pride.

About the Bee

The National Civics Bee® is a nonpartisan civics competition designed to encourage young Americans to engage in their communities and strengthen their understanding of our system of government. The competition begins with a written essay round in which students respond to a series of questions about improving their communities. Finalists then advance to live quiz-style competitions at the regional, state, and national levels.

Why Civics?

The Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce is proud to support this initiative because civic knowledge and participation are essential to our nation’s long-term prosperity. By investing in youth civic education, the Chamber is helping cultivate the next generation of leaders and engaged citizens right here in Pennsylvania.

2025 Recap

In April 2025, the Chamber hosted its inaugural local competition, where eighteen talented middle school students competed on stage before a panel of judges and a live audience. After two fast-paced rounds of civics questions and powerful essay presentations, three local finalists advanced to the Pennsylvania State Finals, proudly representing Schuylkill County. With the launch of the 2026 Bee, the Chamber is expanding its reach to include even more students and school districts within the region.

What’s Next?

Essay applications for the 2026 National Civics Bee® open September 8, 2025. Finalists will be selected early next year, with the Schuylkill Regional Competition scheduled for spring 2026. The top three regional winners will advance to the State Finals in summer 2026, and one finalist from Pennsylvania will move on to the National Championship in Washington, D.C. in the fall.

To learn more or to get your school involved in the 2026 National Civics Bee®, contact Tony Merchlinsky, Member Relations & Marketing Director with the Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce, at amerchlinsky@schuylkillchamber.com or (570) 622-1942. Additional information is available at schuylkillchamber.com.