July 31, 2025
Contact: Eric Stann, StannE@missouri.edu

A select group of Missouri middle schoolers are gearing up to showcase their civics knowledge on a statewide stage. On August 6, the University of Missouri’s Kinder Institute on Constitutional Democracy will host the inaugural state final of the Missouri Civics Bee presented by Google.

Endorsed by the America 250 Missouri Commission, the Civics Bee is one of several events the institute has planned to commemorate the nation’s past, present and future during America’s 250th birthday.

“The Kinder Institute is proud to host the inaugural Missouri Civics Bee,” Jay Sexton, director of the Kinder Institute, said. “By engaging middle school students in our nation’s history and ideas through rewarding competition, we are helping more Missourians to learn about our nation and its ideals.”

The fast-paced, quiz-bowl-style competition challenges bright middle school students to demonstrate their knowledge of U.S. history, government and the Constitution. The winner of the 90-minute event, held in partnership with the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry, will advance to the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C.