Welcome to the Civics Challenge!
Each year, students use their creativity to make a two-minute video and/or song about a civics topic (see below) and enter the Civics Challenge for a chance to earn a $1,000 award!
We invite you to view the past winners at the link below.
Here's the scoop:
- Who: Students in Grades 6–12
- What: Create and submit a video or original song up to 2 minutes long
- Earn: $1,000 cash awards for 10 winners
- 5 middle school | 5 high school
- When: Now! Through April 16, 2027
Finalists in two categories, middle school (6th-8th grade) and high school (9th-12th grade), will be awarded a total of $10,000 in prizes.
Inspiration from 2026 winners!
What is the Civics Challenge?
The Civics Challenge is a national online competition that is open to students in grades 6 through 12. Youth are invited to choose a civics education topic, then express their knowledge through a short video or original song.
There are lots of ways to participate in the Civics Challenge!
Have fun, learn about an important civics topic, make a valuable resource for others to see, and you could earn a fantastic prize!
Select A Topic To Learn About:
- Justice Sandra Day O’Connor: A Life of Public Service
- “We the People”: The Strength of Self-Government
- Three Branches, One Constitution
- The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship
- One Citizen Can Make a Difference
Select How You Want To Participate:
1. Video (see below for more info)
2. Original Song (written lyrics with audio/video)
Prizes
Middle School: Top 5 Entries will win $1,000 each
High School: Top 5 Entries will win $1,000 each
(10 total prizes awarded)
Who Can Enter
Students currently in 6th, 7th and 8th Grade (Middle School) and 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th Grade (High School)
Entry Deadline: April 16, 2027
Sample Videos
The videos below provide helpful background information and explain the Civics Challenge in more detail.
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor
- 2021 marked the 40th anniversary of Justice O’Connor making history as the first woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme Court in 1981!
- Learn more about our Founder and make a video about any aspect of her amazing life.
The Legislative Branch
- How a bill in Congress or your state legislature becomes a law
- The U.S. Congress: the different responsibilities of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives
- The structure and powers of your state legislature, city council, or county government
- The U.S. Census: how it works and its impact
The Executive Branch
- How one specific Presidential power works, such as vetoes, executive orders, judicial appointments, or something else you find!
- What federal agencies the Executive Branch includes
- The structure of the U.S. Military and the National Guard
- A Presidential Cabinet role, such as the United States Attorney General, and its equivalent at your state level
- The structure and responsibilities of your state governor’s office, or your city mayor’s office
The Judicial Branch
- The structure of the U.S. court system and how federal courts relate to state courts
- Judicial review and independent judiciary - what are these concepts, and why are they important?
- The rule of law – what is it, and why is it important?
Citizenship: Rights and Responsibilities
- The different types of elections: what is a "Primary" versus a "General" or "Special" election? Why is voting important, even in small elections?
- Why do our courts have a jury system? How does the process work, and why is jury duty important?
- How could or should elections change in the future? For example, should they be online? What are the arguments for and against that?
Entering the O'Connor Civics Challenge and being eligible to win the prizes above requires acceptance of the Civics Challenge Rules available below.