National Civics Bee® Regional Partner

Calling All Middle School Students

Share your ideas, flex your civics knowledge, and compete for community recognition and cash prizes. Finalists earn an invitation to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship.

Apply Now → Download Contest Guides

About the Competition

The Bridge of Southern New Mexico is proud to partner with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage with civics and make meaningful contributions to their hometowns.

Open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students across New Mexico, participants submit an essay addressing how they would use civics principles to solve an issue in their local community. Top essayists advance to regional live quiz competitions with cash prizes and a chance to travel to the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C.

Why Civics Matters to Our Mission Informed and active citizens create a stronger nation, a stronger economy, and a prepared workforce. Our regional prosperity depends on cultivating civic leadership early.

How to Enter

Any 6th, 7th, or 8th-grade student residing in New Mexico is eligible. Submissions require a brief application and essay proposing a community solution through civic participation.

Phase 1 Application Deadline Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 11:59 PM (HST)

Live event dates and regional testing schedules will be announced as finalist essays are scored.

Contest Resources & Guides

Everything students, parents, and educators need to participate in the National Civics Bee:

National Civics Bee Portal Rules, portal updates, and national resources. Visit Website → Educator Toolkit Classroom lesson plans and essay prompts. View Guide → Student Essay Guide Tips for structuring winning submissions. View Guide → Student Flyer Printable one-sheet for middle schools. Download PDF → Contest Rules (Phase 1) Official eligibility and scoring rubrics. Read Rules → Highlight Reel Video See finalists competing in Washington, D.C. Watch Video →

Sponsorship Opportunities

Showcase your organization’s dedication to cultivating the next generation of civic leaders in Southern New Mexico. Corporate sponsorships fund student travel and competition prizes.

Beth Williams
Direct: (575) 496-9388
Email: beth@thebridgeofsnm.org

Questions & School Inquiries

Need assistance getting your middle school, district, or homeschool group enrolled? Reach out to our program coordinator directly:

The Bridge of Southern New Mexico
150 E Lohman Ave, Las Cruces, NM 88001
Main Office: (575) 652-6825

Podium Recognition

2026 National Civics Bee Regional Winners!

Every middle school student who participated in the 2026 National Civics Bee Regional Competition demonstrated exceptional civic knowledge and leadership. Congratulations to our top three finalists advancing to represent Southern New Mexico at the state competition!

★ 1st Place Winner

Marcus Li

8th Grade • Camino Real Middle School

Presented a winning proposal for a community peer-buddy program designed to improve student behavioral outcomes and habilitation across public schools.

★ 2nd Place Winner

Levi Napie

6th Grade • Truth or Consequences Middle School

Won a second-round tie-breaker before delivering his innovative proposal for increasing emergency medical access in rural New Mexico via remotely-piloted drones.

★ 3rd Place Winner

Anton Ceasar

6th Grade • Truth or Consequences Middle School

Impressed the judges with strong quiz round scores and an impassioned civics proposal to expand equitable sports access and participation across public schools.