SHREVEPORT, La. — Southfield School recently hosted a National Civics Bee essay writing symposium with support from the Greater Shreveport Chamber, the local host organization for the 2026 Louisiana State National Civics Bee.
Representatives from the Greater Shreveport Chamber attended the event to observe and support students preparing for the essay-writing round of the National Civics Bee, a nonpartisan civics competition created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
The National Civics Bee encourages middle school students to engage in civic learning by identifying real-world challenges in their communities and proposing practical solutions. Students in grades six through eight from public, private, charter and homeschool settings are eligible to participate. The competition begins with a written essay connecting a community issue to civic principles and founding values.
During the symposium, students heard from community leaders representing law, public service, the arts, military service and higher education. Speakers shared examples of identifying community needs, developing solutions and linking those efforts to civic responsibility, reflecting the structure students will use in their essays.
Following the presentations, students participated in a question-and-answer session before moving into small-group roundtable discussions. Presenters and educators circulated among the groups to provide individualized feedback as students refined ideas, strengthened proposed solutions and deepened their understanding of leadership and service.
The symposium concluded with collaborative feedback and encouragement for students to continue developing their essays and civic action ideas.
The Greater Shreveport Chamber spearheaded efforts to bring the National Civics Bee to Louisiana for the first time and will serve as the host organization for the 2026 state competition. Chamber representatives attended the symposium to support Southfield School’s civic education initiatives and to encourage student participation across the region.
The National Civics Bee essay submission portal is open through Feb. 3. Eligible students must submit an essay by the deadline to be considered for advancement to regional and state-level competitions.
More information about the National Civics Bee and participation details are available at
https://www.shreveportchamber.org/civicsbee2026/.