Students from all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa competed for national title as America celebrates 250 years

WASHINGTON, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation today announced that Peter Daniell, a middle school student from Broomfield, Colorado, has won the 2026 National Civics Bee® Championship, earning the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and a $100,000 529 education savings plan.

Daniell competed alongside 51 other finalists, with students representing all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa, in a fast-paced national competition that tested their knowledge of American government, the Constitution, and the civic challenges facing their communities.

“20,000 students entered this year’s National Civics Bee in 240 communities across the country,” said Michael Carney, president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “52 made it to Washington, and Peter Daniell came out on top. These students aren’t waiting until they’re old enough to make a difference. They already do.”

From Local Competitions to the National Spotlight

The championship was held October 14 at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C. and emceed by Emmy-nominated actor and game show host Jerry O’Connell. For the first time, the championship was televised and streamed live on C-SPAN, bringing the excitement of the competition to a nationwide audience.

The finalists competed across several rounds challenging their knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, including a team presentation, multiple-choice round, head-to-head gauntlet, interview round, and high-stakes final buzzer round.

The National Civics Bee Championship culminated a year-long civic learning experience that brought students through local, state, and national competitions across 240 communities nationwide.

A New Generation Steps Up

Alongside Daniell, Araoluwakiitan Afolabi of St. Cloud, Florida and Carolyn Taylor of Ann Arbor, Michigan earned top honors, receiving cash prizes of $25,000 and $15,000, respectively.

Their achievements underscore the importance of civic literacy and active citizenship as young people engage with the issues affecting their communities.

Reflecting on the experience, Daniell said, “One of the things I learned from the National Civics Bee is that most challenges don’t have simple answers. Researching issues, listening to different perspectives, and thinking through ideas helped me develop my proposal and grow in more ways than one. I’m honored to be named the National Civics Bee champion and grateful for everyone who supported me along the way. Anyone thinking about applying next year should absolutely do it!”

As the United States celebrates its 250th anniversary, the Championship highlighted the next generation of citizens preparing to shape the nation’s future through informed participation, civic knowledge, and community leadership.

A National Stage for Young Civic Leaders

Launched in 2023, the National Civics Bee has rapidly grown into a national movement, bringing together students, parents, educators, business leaders and public officials to elevate civics education as a national priority.

The National Civics Bee will continue in 2027. Applications are now open, with submissions due February 2, 2027. Learn more about how to enter HERE.

To watch highlights from the 2026 National Civics Bee Championship, including Peter Daniell’s winning moment, visit https://www.youtube.com/@CSPAN.

About National Civics Bee®

The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is an annual competition aimed at improving civics knowledge, skills, and disposition among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state and local chambers, youth organizations, and universities across the country. It is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Andrew Carnegie Foundation, Wilson Garling Foundation, Britebound, Ibis Group, Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, The Anschutz Foundation, Fisher Global Foundation, College Board, and other funders.

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.

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SOURCE U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation