Arkadelphia Hosts Regional Civics Bee for Middle Schoolers

Local students to compete for chance to advance to state and national competitions.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 9:53pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeating grid of educational objects like textbooks, a podium, and a trophy, rendered in a bold, neon color palette that captures the celebratory spirit of the civic competition.The Arkadelphia Regional Civics Bee celebrates the civic engagement and leadership of local middle school students.Arkadelphia Today

The Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce is hosting the 2026 Arkadelphia Regional Civics Bee, a live quiz-style competition testing middle school students' knowledge of American democracy and founding principles. The regional finalists, selected based on essays outlining innovative community improvement ideas, will compete for cash prizes and a chance to advance to the Arkansas State Civics Bee and potentially the National Championship.

Why it matters

The National Civics Bee encourages middle school students to engage in civics and contribute to their local communities. The Arkadelphia event provides a platform for these future leaders to showcase their civic knowledge and commitment to positive change.

The details

Finalists from Goza Middle School, Garrett Memorial Christian School, Lakeside Junior High, and LISA Academy West Middle School will compete in the live quiz-style competition at Ouachita Baptist University's Mabee Fine Arts Center. The winners will receive cash prizes, with the first-place finisher earning $500 and a trip to the Arkansas State Civics Bee in June. The state champion will then advance to the National Championship in Washington, D.C., for a chance to win a $100,000 529 education savings plan.

  • The Arkadelphia Regional Civics Bee will take place on Thursday, April 16, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
  • The Arkansas State Civics Bee is scheduled for June 2026.

The players

Arkadelphia Regional Economic Development Alliance and Area Chamber of Commerce

The organizers of the Arkadelphia Regional Civics Bee, a local economic development and business advocacy organization.

National Civics Bee

An initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that encourages middle school students to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

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What’s next

The winners of the Arkadelphia Regional Civics Bee will advance to the Arkansas State Civics Bee in June 2026, with the state champion earning a trip to the National Championship in Washington, D.C.

The takeaway

The Arkadelphia Regional Civics Bee provides a valuable opportunity for middle school students to demonstrate their civic knowledge and commitment to improving their local communities, preparing them to become engaged and informed citizens.