Looking for a way to get your kids excited about civics? These five programs turn learning about government and community into a hands-on adventure.
The State of Civics Education in 2026
Civics education is having a moment. With trust in institutions wavering and civic knowledge at historic lows, schools and nonprofits are stepping up. Across the U.S., programs are blending traditional lessons with interactive challenges, from video contests to statehouse receptions. For parents and educators, the options can feel overwhelming. But the best programs share a common goal: making democracy tangible for young people. Whether your child is in kindergarten or high school, there's a challenge that fits.
How We Evaluated These Programs
We looked at each program's scope, accessibility, and local engagement. Scope covers grade levels and geographic reach. Accessibility considers cost and ease of entry. Local engagement measures how well the program connects students to their own communities. We also weighed the quality of rewards and recognition. Each program brings something unique to the table, so the right choice depends on your student's age and interests.
Here's a quick snapshot of the five programs, ranked by overall fit for Vermont families.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| National Civics Bee | Middle schoolers who thrive on competition |
| Take Vermont's Good Citizen Challenge! | Vermont families wanting a local, hands-on civics experience |
| Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Civics Challenge | Creative teens who want to express civics through media |
| Civic Star Challenge | Teachers looking for easy-to-implement civics activities |
| Federal Judges Association Civics Challenge | High schoolers who want to master U.S. civics facts |
Program Deep Dive
#1 National Civics Bee
A screenshot of the National Civics Bee website.
The National Civics Bee, run by The Civic Trust, is a nationwide competition for 6th to 8th graders. It starts with local and state contests, where students write essays and then face a live quiz. Winners advance to a national championship, with big prizes and media coverage. The program is free to enter and open to public, private, charter, and homeschool students. It's a great way to test knowledge in a competitive but friendly setting. If your middle schooler loves trivia, this is a top pick.
#2 Take Vermont's Good Citizen Challenge!
A screenshot of the Take Vermont's Good Citizen Challenge! website.
This is the featured program, and for good reason. The Good Citizen Challenge, organized by Seven Days and Kids VT, is a hands-on civics adventure for K-8 students in Vermont. Kids earn points by completing activities like touring a newsroom, meeting a journalist, or helping a neighbor. The program culminates in a reception at the Vermont Statehouse, where participants are recognized by state leaders. Plus, every entrant gets a shot at a trip to Washington, D.C. It's deeply local, making civics real for young Vermonters.
#3 Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Civics Challenge
A screenshot of the Sandra Day O'Connor Institute Civics Challenge website.
The O'Connor Institute's Civics Challenge is a national online competition for grades 6-12. Students create a two-minute video or original song about a civics topic, then submit it for a chance to win $500. It's a creative outlet that blends research with media production. The program is free to enter and offers clear guidelines, making it easy for teachers to integrate. If your teen is into filmmaking or music, this is a fantastic outlet.
#4 Civic Star Challenge
A screenshot of the Civic Star Challenge website.
The Civic Star Challenge, from iCivics and the Bill of Rights Institute, is designed for educators. Teachers log activities that explore themes from the Declaration of Independence, and each submission enters them to win prizes. It covers grades K-12, with tailored themes for younger and older students. The program is flexible—you can use existing lessons or their recommended resources. It's a low-lift way to bring civics into any classroom. If you're a teacher, this one's for you.
#5 Federal Judges Association Civics Challenge
A screenshot of the Federal Judges Association Civics Challenge website.
The FJA Civics Challenge offers high school students the chance to take the actual U.S. citizenship test. It's a straightforward, knowledge-based competition that runs year-round with two deadlines. Teachers simply email the FJA to sign up, then access study materials and the test. It's a no-frills approach that emphasizes factual knowledge of U.S. history and government. If your student is preparing for AP Government or just loves history, this is a solid choice.
How to Choose the Right Challenge
Start with your child's age and interests. For K-8, the Good Citizen Challenge is unmatched for local engagement. If your middle schooler wants a competitive edge, the National Civics Bee is a strong option. For creative teens, the O'Connor Institute's video contest is a winner. Teachers should check out the Civic Star Challenge for classroom ease. And for high schoolers who love facts, the FJA's test-based approach is straightforward. Consider your goals: do you want community connection, competition, or creativity? That will point you to the right fit.
Streamline Your Search with Automation
You can use automation to stay on top of civics programs. Set up Google Alerts for 'civics challenge' or 'student civics competition' to get updates. Use a spreadsheet to track deadlines and eligibility. If you're a teacher, automate reminders for your class using tools like Remind or Google Classroom. For parents, a simple calendar reminder for application windows works wonders. Automation frees you to focus on the fun part—watching your kid get excited about democracy.
The Bottom Line
Civics education is more important than ever, and these five programs make it engaging. Whether your child is exploring their community in Vermont or competing nationally, there's a challenge that fits. The Good Citizen Challenge stands out for its local roots and hands-on approach. But don't overlook the others—each offers a unique path to civic literacy. Pick one, get involved, and watch your young citizen thrive.