SC YMCA Youth in Government to host National Civics Bee® Statewide Competition

Former SC Governor David M. Beasley to host South Carolina’s inaugural competition

As the United States of America celebrates its 250th anniversary, the SC YMCA Youth in Government branch of the YMCA of Greenville will celebrate the 10 South Carolina middle schoolers who have advanced to the National Civics Bee Statewide Competition. The students will test their civics knowledge and compete to advance to the National Championship.

The competition, held in conjunction with the University of South Carolina’s Center for American Civic Leadership and Public Discourse, will take place at the Joseph F. Rice School of Law on Thursday, July 23 from 10am – noon. Former SC Governor David M. Beasley will serve as the competition’s host.

Organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee is an annual nonpartisan competition for middle school students that strengthens civic knowledge, skills, and dispositions among young Americans, their families, and communities. The competition inspires students to become better informed about American democracy, engage respectfully and constructively in their community, and build greater trust in others and institutions.

The competition, sponsored by Kinder Morgan, is open to the public. Community members are invited to attend and cheer on these talented young civic leaders, with opportunities to participate in a live audience civics quiz.

6th, 7th, and 8th grade students from public, private, charter, and home schools first competed in a civics essay round. A distinguished panel of judges selected the top finalists to advance to the National Civics Bee Statewide Competition in Columbia, an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics questions moderated by Governor David M. Beasley, followed by a Q&A round in which finalists will discuss their proposals for improving their communities.

Students from across the state competed at one of two regional events in Aiken and Barnwell. The middle school students who will compete as 2026 National Civics Bee Statewide Finalists are:

Aiken Regional Competition
• Annsley W.
• Emma T.
• Jionni W.
• Riley M.
• Skylar J.

Barnwell Regional Competition
• Sara T.
• Cassie L.
• Alexandria E.
• Layla R.
• Fernanda M.

National Civics Bee Statewide Finalists will have the opportunity to compete for prizes. The top finalist from the Statewide competition will advance to the National Championship. Prizes include cash awards, trophies, recognition, and a $100,000 contribution to a 529 plan for the National Championship.

“Our role at South Carolina YMCA Youth in Government is to help our youth learn how to use their voices to become engaged citizens in their communities. We could not be more thrilled to host the state’s inaugural National Civics Bee Statewide Competition,” said Mary Capers Bledsoe, executive director, SC YMCA Youth in Government. “We are grateful to Governor David Beasley for hosting the competition.”

“When young people understand how their government works and believe in their power to shape it, we all benefit,” said Governor David M. Beasley. “I am honored to be part of this inaugural competition and am inspired by the students who are stepping up as they become our future leaders.”

“Each year, the National Civics Bee reminds us how much promise and talent exists in communities across the country. Students step up with thoughtful solutions, bold ideas, and a willingness to participate—exactly the qualities our democracy and workforce need. We’re proud to support a program that strengthens civic knowledge and skills for all young people and helps build the foundation for a stronger future.” said Hilary Crow, Vice President, Civics, U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

For more information about the National Civics Bee in Columbia, SC, visit ymcagreenville.org/national-civics-bee.

About the YMCA of Greenville, SC
The YMCA of Greenville is a cause-driven non-profit organization. Our mission is, following the example of Christ, to build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. With a focus on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Y nurtures the potential of every youth and teen, improves the health and well-being of our community and provides opportunities to give back and help support our neighbors. Founded in 1876, the Y serves more than 85,000 people annually through programs that include after-school care, resident and day camps, aquatics, youth and adult sports, and health and wellness. Programs are offered through four family branches, as well as the Verdae YMCA, Life Center YMCA, YMCA Camp Greenville, and YMCA Judson Community Center. The Y is also home to Y Teen Services and the SC Youth in Government programs. For more information about the YMCA of Greenville, visit ymcagreenville.org, or call (864) 412-0288.

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.

About the National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state, regional, and local organizations across the country. The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Carnegie Corporation of New York, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.