Greater Roaring Fork Civics Bee®

A nonpartisan civics competition for 6th, 7th & 8th graders across the Roaring Fork Valley. Free and open to all schools — and back for 2027!

Get Notified For 2027

Learn How It Works

Applications open Monday, September 7, 2026

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Applications open Monday, September 7, 2026 〰️

ABOUT THE BEE

Where young people discover the power of civic engagement.

The Greater RFV Regional Civics Bee is hosted by Youthentity and the Carbondale Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It's a nonpartisan competition that gives local middle schoolers the chance to flex their civics knowledge, develop their writing and public speaking skills, and compete for prizes — all the way to a potential trip to Washington, D.C.

Competition Structure

Students respond to four short-answer prompts proposing ideas to improve their communities. Application for the 2027 competition coming soon!
Judges select finalists to advance to regional competitions to compete for trophies, prizes, and recognition. Regional competitions take place in-person between late March and late May.
The top 3 winners from each regional competition advance to the State Finals, taking place from early June through July.
One finalist from each state receives a trip to the National Championship in Washington D.C. to compete for big prizes.

WHY CIVICS?

We are participating in the National Civics Bee because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in Colorado and celebrating our civic pride.

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Are you interested in showcasing your company's commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available corporate sponsorships, review our sponsorship package and contact Kristina@youthentity.org.

A night to remember in the Roaring Fork Valley

On April 30, 2026, twenty middle school students from across the valley took the stage at Carbondale Middle School for the first-ever Greater RFV Regional Civics Bee®. They competed in civics knowledge rounds, presented original ideas to improve their communities, and showed us what the next generation of engaged citizens looks like.

STUDENT TOPICS INCLUDED

Wildfire preparedness · Childhood literacy · Climate change · Housing affordability · Habitat loss · Traffic & wildlife · Homelessness · Connecting kids to civics · and more

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR TOP THREE FINALISTS

YOU MADE THE ROARING FORK PROUD!