Coweta & Fayette students spotlighted in Civics Bee — 2026 applications now open

Applications are now open for the 2026 National Civics Bee®, and students in Coweta and Fayette counties have until February 3, 2026, to submit their entries.

The annual competition invites 6th–8th grade students to respond to a four-question civic leadership prompt proposing ways to improve their communities. The Bee is a nationwide, nonpartisan initiative aimed at strengthening civic literacy and encouraging young people to engage in public life.

Coweta’s strong showing

This year marked the Newnan-Coweta Chamber’s first time hosting a local Civics Bee in partnership with the Georgia Chamber, and Coweta made a strong debut.

A total of 117 Coweta students submitted essays — more than double the national average of 55 per community.

Jackson Coleman, an eighth grader from Smokey Road Middle School, earned second place at the Georgia State Finals at the Carter Center for his proposal on using AI to reduce community litter.

The Newnan-Coweta Chamber has again been approved as a 2026 Regional Civics Bee Partner and awarded a $3,875 grant to support next year’s competition, scheduled for March 31, 2026.

Fayette County shines too — state champion advances to nationals

In neighboring Fayette County, the Fayette Chamber of Commerce also hosted a local bee that drew strong participation. Three Fayette students advanced to the state finals.

Kaden J., representing Bennett’s Mill Middle School, won first place in the 2025 Georgia State Finals, becoming Georgia’s representative at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. this past fall.

The Fayette Chamber encouraged local residents and businesses to support his travel and competition expenses.

(As of early December 2025, the Fayette Chamber has not yet released sponsorship information for its 2026 Civics Bee event.)

National winners announced

More than 12,000 students from 200 communities participated in the 2025 National Civics Bee. Thirty-nine state finalists competed in multiple rounds of civics knowledge, problem-solving, and critical-thinking challenges.

Aarit was named the 2025 national champion and received the Bill Daniels National Civics Award, including a $100,000 education savings plan contribution.

How to apply

Students can submit their essays online through the National Civics Bee application portal.
The deadline to apply is February 3, 2026.