McKeesport, PA – State Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny), in partnership with the Mon Metro Chamber of Commerce and State Representative Abigail Salisbury (D-Allegheny), is inviting middle school students across the region to participate in the first Greater Pittsburgh Regional Civics Bee.
The regional competition encourages 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students to explore civic engagement and share ideas about how they can make a difference in their communities. Students who advance from the regional competition may be eligible to move on to the state level, with the opportunity to ultimately compete in the National Civics Bee.
The competition will be hosted by the Mon Metro Chamber of Commerce and Civically, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to empowering residents with the tools to participate meaningfully in their communities, with a focus on civic engagement, literacy, and equity.
“This competition gives students a chance to think critically about their communities, understand how government works, and see how their ideas and voices can make a difference,” said Senator Pisciottano. ”I’m proud to partner with the Mon Metro Chamber and Representative Salisbury to get more students involved.”
Dr. Lisa-Franklin Robinson, Executive Director of the Mon Metro Chamber of Commerce, noted the Civics Bee is designed to give students the tools and confidence to engage meaningfully in their communities.
“I believe it’s our responsibility to instruct, inspire, and equip our youth to lead, carrying our communities into a future marked by freedom and flourishing,” said Dr. Lisa Franklin-Robinson. “We must nurture critical thinking and problem-solving, and the Civics Bee is a powerful way to begin that preparation.”
Middle school students are invited to participate by submitting a short essay responding to a prompt. Top essayists will advance to a live quiz competition, testing their knowledge of civics, government, and community engagement.
Representative Salisbury emphasized the value of giving students an early opportunity to engage with civic challenges.
“Contests that challenge students to think about their communities from a problem-solving perspective help students understand how government works and how the institutions around them shape the world,” Representative Salisbury said. “I encourage all of our district’s students to consider participating.”
Essay Topic: How can you make a difference in your community?
Submission deadline: February 3, 2026 by 11:59 p.m.
The Greater Pittsburgh Regional Civics Bee promotes civic knowledge, critical thinking, and youth leadership, and offers recognition and prizes for top performers.
More information on registration and rules is available here.