Period 1
August 15-September 30
The Civic Star Challenge is back!
The Civic Star Challenge-a partnership between iCivics and the Bill of Rights Institute-continues to celebrate and recognize educators who share how they are teaching connected to the Declaration of Independence in this 250th anniversary year. Share how you are helping students understand America's past, present, and future through focus areas of civic action, media literacy, and/or debate and dialogue.
Open to all teachers of grades K–12, the contest will run through December 15, 2026.
Enter to Win$50,000 in Total Prizes
Three Contest Periods. Nine $5,000 Winners.
One $5,000 winner in each grade band, K–5, 6–8, and 9–12, will be selected during every contest period.
Period 2
October 1–31
Period 3
November 1–December 15
Why Take Part?
Every day, teachers help students connect the ideas at the heart of our nation’s founding with the questions and choices shaping their communities today. The Civic Star Challenge recognizes educators who bring civic learning to life through everyday classroom teaching.
How It Works
Three quick steps. No new lesson plan required.
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Choose a civic focus. Select Civic Action, Media Literacy, or Debate and Dialogue from a recent lesson or classroom activity.
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Enter the Contest with a brief narrative describing student outcomes and/or learning. Do not include student names, images, or work samples. Educators can enter once per cycle for a chance to win up to $5,000.
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Set a reminder to enter the contest again during the next drawing period!
Choose a Civic Focus
Start with a recent, or upcoming, lesson or classroom activity connected to one of these three themes.
Civic Action
Activities that develop the knowledge, skills, virtues, and habits needed to put civic learning into practice.
Media Literacy
Activities that practice finding, evaluating, analyzing, and responsibly using information from varied sources.
Debate and Dialogue
Activities that practice discussing issues thoughtfully, respectfully, and with evidence.
Start With Trusted Resources
Teachers do not need to start from scratch. iCivics and the Bill of Rights Institute offer free, classroom-ready resources connected to the three Challenge themes. Teachers may use these suggestions, other materials, or lessons they have created themselves.
iCivics
Explore interactive games, simulations, lessons, and activities that help students build civic knowledge, practice decision-making, and understand how government and communities work.
Explore iCivics ResourcesBill of Rights Institute
Explore primary sources, lessons, videos, and discussion-based activities that help students examine history, founding principles, and civic responsibility through evidence and inquiry.
Explore BRI ResourcesCivic Star Challenge FAQs
Key details for entering, choosing an activity, and protecting student privacy.
What is the Civic Star Challenge?
The Civic Star Challenge showcases the work K–12 educators are doing during America’s 250th anniversary year. It recognizes everyday classroom teaching and offers educators the opportunity to win cash prizes and national recognition.
Who can participate?
Any educator can participate—K–12 teachers across public, private, charter, and homeschool settings, in any subject area.
When does the Civic Star Challenge run?
The Challenge runs August 15–December 15, 2026, across three contest periods.
How do I participate?
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.
What activities count?
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 one you created yourself.
What can I win?
Educators who enter the contest will have an opportunity to win up to $5,000. The contest will award $50,000 in total prizes.
What should I avoid including?
Do not include student names, images, or work samples in your submission. Focus on a brief narrative describing student outcomes and/or learning.
When are winners selected and notified?
Drawings will be selected at the close of each cycle—September 30, October 31, and December 15, respectively. Winners will be notified by email.
Where can I find the Terms and Conditions?
