National Civics Bee

Meet Our Winners:

Meet our Judges

Yolanda Pierson

Yolanda Pierson is the President and CEO of the Minnesota Black Chamber of Commerce. She brings more than 25 years of executive leadership experience spanning corporate strategy, procurement and supplier inclusion, responsible sourcing, community-centered economic development, and entrepreneurship.

A business owner herself, Yolanda is recognized for building systems that connect businesses to opportunity, capital, and long-term sustainability. She is focused on ensuring Black-owned businesses across Minnesota have the tools, advocacy, and capital access needed to grow, scale, and thrive.

As President and CEO, she leads the Chamber's strategic direction, deepens partnerships, and expands member value across business, capital, and community ecosystems. Yolanda holds a doctorate and master's degree in business administration and is an alum of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program.

Samantha Silker

Samantha Silker is the Director of Operations for the University of Minnesota’s Center for Integrative Leadership and Program Director for the Minnesota Young American Leaders Program.

Dedicated to organizational strategy and administration, Samantha provides the operational backbone for initiatives that build skills and capacity for cross-sector leadership. Her work ensures these programs effectively catalyze regional collaborative action for public good across the business, government, and non-profit sectors.

With a career built on navigating complex environments at the University of Minnesota and within the private and nonprofit sectors, she focuses on translating leadership vision into sustainable systems and effective programming. Samantha holds an MBA from the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management and a BA in Communication Studies and Political Science from the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse.

Shannon Watson

Shannon Watson is the Executive Director of Majority in the Middle. She has also worked in policy and public affairs roles for public, private and nonprofit sectors. She has 20+ years of experience in electoral politics, advising candidates and working on campaigns on both sides of the aisle in Kansas, Colorado, and Minnesota.

Shannon is a frequent op-ed writer and speaker, presenting on topics like "Why we're divided and what you can do about it" and "How to make your advocacy bipartisan (and why you should)." She is a graduate of Leadership St Paul, a member of the MYALP cohort, and a Humphrey Policy Fellow.

Shannon holds a bachelor's degree in English, Theatre, and Psychology from Wichita State University and a master's degree in Advocacy and Political Leadership from the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She lives in Minneapolis.

ABOUT THE BEE
The St. Paul Area Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee National Championship in Fall 2026.

WHY CIVICS?
The St. Paul Area Chamber is 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 Minnesota and celebrating our civic pride.

PRIZES

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
1st Place: $100,000*
529 plan contribution
2nd Place: $25,000*
3rd Place: $15,000*

STATE FINALS
1st Place: $1,000* + potential $5,000** donation to your school!
2nd Place: $500*
3rd Place: $250*

REGIONAL BEES
1st Place: $500*
2nd Place: $250*
3rd Place: $125*

*Amounts shown are the anticipated minimums to be awarded. All amounts are cash prizes except as indicated above. Finalists for each round should reference their respective Contest Rules for full prize information.

**Full details on the entry procedure are described in the Contest Rules.

HOW TO ENTER
Any 6th, 7th, and 8th grade student residing in Minnesota with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their application to particiapte in their state. All applications must be submitted by Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:59 pm Hawaii Time. Visit www.nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources.

Students should review the Contest Rules below and then apply using the following link:
https://my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site/NationalCivicsBee2026?utm_source=all&utm_medium=promos&

RESOURCES / ADDITIONAL INFO:

Educator Toolkit
Essay Application Guide
National Civics Bee Highlights Video
National Civics Bee Website
Student Flyer
2026 National Civics Bee Contest Rules - Phase 1

LIVE EVENT INFO - COMING SOON!

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Are you interested in showcasing your company's commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available corporate sponsorships, please contact Melissa McLean.

CONTACT US
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Melissa McLean.