Idaho Falls to host statewide Civics Bee

Kaeden Lincoln | 12/03/2025

An Idaho middle school-aged student will represent the Gem State at the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C., in 2026.

They’ll earn a $5,000 donation for their school, then they’ll compete to win prizes including a $100,000 college savings fund.

But first, the student will have to win the statewide Idaho civics bee, held in Idaho Falls on May 29, 2026.

Students will submit written essays that identify a community issue and propose a solution. Based on the essays, judges will select 20 finalists to attend the competition in Idaho Falls.

Idaho health and wellness company Melaleuca is partnered with the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce to host the event at Melaleuca’s global headquarters.

All students in grades 6–8 who attend public, private, charter, or home schools anywhere in Idaho are eligible to participate in the National Civics Bee, and they can submit their application by Feb. 3, 2026, through the online portal at idahofallschamber.com/national-civics-bee-idaho.

Kaeden Lincoln

Kaeden is a student Boise State University and will be working as an intern with Idaho EdNews. He previously wrote for the Sentinel at North Idaho College and the Arbiter at Boise State. The Idaho native is a graduate of Borah High in the Boise School District.