UCA to host National Civics Bee Arkansas State Finals

Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce/AIA competition brings top middle school students to Conway

The University of Central Arkansas has partnered with the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas to host the 2026 National Civics Bee Arkansas State Finals on Wednesday, June 24, at 10:30 a.m. at the Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts, 2150 Bruce Street, Conway.

The National Civics Bee, organized by the State Chamber/AIA in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and local chambers of commerce across the state, encourages middle school students to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

"Strong communities and a strong economy both depend on informed and engaged citizens," Randy Zook, president and CEO of the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce and Associated Industries of Arkansas, said. "The National Civics Bee inspires students to learn about our nation's history and explore ways they can contribute to their communities.

"We're proud to support these exceptional young Arkansans as they develop the skills and knowledge to become tomorrow's leaders."

The competition will feature 12 student finalists from schools across Arkansas vying for the state title, cash prizes and the opportunity to advance to the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C. Participating students represent schools from communities across Arkansas, including Russellville, Hot Springs, Rogers, Bella Vista, El Dorado, Waldo, Magnolia, Arkadelphia, Conway and Little Rock.

"UCA is proud to welcome these outstanding students, their families and educators to our campus for this important event," Dr. Mark Mullenbach, chair of the UCA Department of Government, Public Service and International Studies, said. "Programs like the National Civics Bee encourage students to become informed, engaged citizens and demonstrate how civic knowledge can make a meaningful difference in communities across Arkansas."

Students will compete through a live quiz and question-and-answer sessions with judges. The Arkansas state champion will receive a $1,000 prize and an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., to represent Arkansas at the National Civics Bee Championship this fall. National competitors will have the chance to win a $100,000 grand prize.

The event will be emceed by former Miss Arkansas Ebony Mitchell and judged by a panel of distinguished Arkansans, including Arkansas House Speaker Brian Evans; Stacey McClure, state director for U.S. Sen. John Boozman's office; Lisa Lake, vice president of external affairs at AT&T; Dr. Rheo Morris, dean of students at the Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts; and Stephen Person, Pulaski County justice of the peace and incoming state representative for District 77.

The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that inspires young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Join us in this nonpartisan initiative to enhance civic literacy, skills, and participation.

The National Civics Bee is an annual, nonpartisan competition designed to enhance civic literacy, skills and participation among students in 6th-8th grades. Modeled after traditional academic competitions, the program challenges students to demonstrate their understanding of civics while proposing ideas to improve their communities.

The Arkansas State Finals are free and open to the public. Doors open at 10 a.m. A reception and lunch will follow the awards ceremony. Seating is limited, and attendees are encouraged to RSVP in advance at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/ymfh364.

More information about the National Civics Bee Arkansas State Finals is available from the Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce at arkansasstatechamber.com/national-civics-bee.

The 2025-2026 National Civics Bee Arkansas is sponsored by Walmart and AT&T.