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What is the Civic Star Challenge?

In partnership with iCivics and the Bill of Rights Institute, the Challenge celebrates and recognizes teachers who share how they are teaching the themes of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the birth of our nation.


We’re inviting all teachers of grades K-12 to share how they’re helping students make sense of America’s past, present, and future—and we’ll be awarding $50,000 to support the teachers and schools doing this work. View the Terms and Conditions

Civic Action


Activities that develop the knowledge, skills, virtues, and habits needed to put citizenship into practice.

Media Literacy


Activities that practice finding, evaluating, analyzing, and responsibly using information from various sources.

Debate and Dialogue


Activities that practice discussing issues thoughtfully, respectfully, and with evidence.

How Do I Enter the Civic Star Challenge?

Select a civic focus (Civic Action, Media Literacy, or Debate and Dialogue) from a recent lesson or classroom activity and share a brief narrative reflecting student outcomes and/or learning. Submit Your Entry!

 

Contest Periods

  • Period 1: August 15-September 30

  • Period 2: October 1-31

  • Period 3: November 1-December 15

 

Contest Prizes

  • Three $5,000 Winners for Grades K-5, 6-8, and 9-12 per contest period<

  • Four $1,250 Honorable Mentions between Aug. 15 - Dec. 15


Browse Suggested Resources for Civic Star Challenge


Teach a suggested or similar resource and share the outcomes in a submission.

iCivics Civic Star Challenge Suggested Resources

   
Many of iCivics' resources connect to a Civic Star Challenge contest themes. Explore a few suggestions below. The contest 0pens August 15th!

BRI Civic Star Challenge Suggested Resources


Many of the Bill of Rights Insitute's resources connect to a Civic Star Challenge contest themes. Explore a few suggestions below. The contest 0pens August 15th!

Civic Star Challenge FAQs

The Civic Star Challenge showcases the work civics and history educators are doing in America’s 250th anniversary year in their classrooms. The contest offers educators an opportunity to win cash prizes and recognition for their everyday classroom moments.

Any educator can participate—K–12 teachers across public, private, charter, and homeschool settings, in any subject area.

The challenge runs August 15-December 15, 2026.

Educators will be asked to select a civic focus from a recent lesson/classroom activity and share a brief narrative the reflects student outcomes and/or learning.

Almost anything! If it connects students to contest themes, it counts:

  • Discussions or debates
  • Quick-writes or reflections
  • Primary source analysis
  • Simulations or projects
  • Creative or service-learning activities

You may use iCivics, Bill of Rights Institute resources, or ANY other teaching resource including a self-created one.

Even a short classroom tie-in to your current unit is eligible—as long as it connects to the themes.

Educators who enter the contest will have an opportunity to win up to $5000. The contest will award $50,000 in total prizes.

Drawings will be selected at the close of the August 15-September 30 cycle, the October 1-31 cycle, and the November 1-December 15 cycle. Winners will be notified by email.

Engage students in meaningful civic learning during America’s 250th school year and reward educators along the way.

View the Terms and Conditions

CSC Supporters

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