METAIRIE – On Tuesday, the Jefferson Chamber Foundation hosted the 2026 National Civics Bee in Metairie, Louisiana, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee is an annual nonpartisan civics competition for middle schoolers that increases civic knowledge, skills, and disposition among young Americans, their families, and communities.
“Each year, the National Civics Bee reminds us how much promise and talent exists in communities across the country. Students step up with thoughtful solutions, bold ideas, and a willingness to participate—exactly the qualities our democracy and workforce need. We’re proud to support a program that strengthens civic knowledge and skills for all young people and helps build the foundation for a stronger future,” said Hilary Crow, Vice President, Civics, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Students across the country submitted essays on issues in their communities, which were then reviewed by a distinguished panel of judges. Top students were selected to compete in the Jefferson Chamber Foundation’s Regional Competition: an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics quiz questions followed by a Q&A in which students discussed their proposals for improving their communities. Arivan S. from Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy took first place, followed by Dominic E. and Eliezer F. for second and third places, respectively. The judges for this year’s competition were: Councilwoman Arita Bohannan from Jefferson Parish – District 4, Alfred Galindo from Entergy, Viki Gatti from Jefferson Chamber, Laura Roussel from Jefferson Parish Schools, and Dr. Jesse Watson from Discovery Schools.
The first-place winner received a $1,000 cash prize and will advance to the state competition hosted by Louisiana Association of Business & Industry along with other top finalists. The top state winners will receive various prizes, up to $1,000. The state’s first-place winner will earn a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Championship in the Fall of 2026, where they can win a grand prize of a $100,000 contribution to a 529 plan. The second-place finalist will receive $25,000, and the third-place National finalist will receive $15,000.
The Louisiana Association of Business & Industry will host the National Civics Bee Louisiana State Finals on Saturday, June 27 at LSU Shreveport.
For more information on the National Civics Bee, visit: https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee/
About Jefferson Chamber Foundation
The Jefferson Chamber Foundation is the nonprofit charitable arm of the Jefferson Chamber of Commerce and is recognized as a 501(c)(3) organization. Created to strengthen the long-term vitality of the Jefferson community, the Foundation supports initiatives that promote education, leadership, and workforce development across Jefferson Parish, aligning with the Chamber’s mission of “Strengthening Business. Enriching Our Community.”
About U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.
About the National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 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, regional, and local organizations across the country. The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Carnegie Corporation of New York, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.