MADISON —Nearly 200 students representing 52 teams from 33 schools across Wisconsin will take part in the 2026 Wisconsin Civics Games, demonstrating student engagement in civics education and democratic participation statewide.

Preliminary competitions will take place virtually over two days, April 8-9, with students competing in fast-paced, head-to-head matchups covering topics such as the role of government, the U.S. Constitution, Wisconsin and U.S. history, elections, public policy, and current events. Sixteen teams will advance to the State Capitol for the championship round on May 1.

Winners on the first-place team will receive $2,000 scholarships to attend the Wisconsin college or university of their choice. The state finals are open to the public, and media are encouraged to attend. Welcoming remarks will begin at 9 a.m. in Room 411 South at the Wisconsin State Capitol. WisconsinEye is scheduled to broadcast the state finals, which are expected to conclude at approximately 3:30 p.m.

River Falls High School is one of the participating schools.

The Wisconsin Civics Games are presented by the Universities of Wisconsin, in partnership with the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation and other organizations committed to strengthening civic literacy.

“Programs like the Civics Games reflect the Universities of Wisconsin’s strategic focus on expanding opportunity and connecting learning to real life,” said Universities of Wisconsin President Jay Rothman. “By engaging high school students early, we’re helping them better understand their communities and build an understanding of their rights and responsibilities in a democracy.”

“The Civics Games have grown into something much bigger than we ever anticipated. This year alone, 198 students from 33 schools make up 52 teams,” said Beth Bennett, executive director of the Wisconsin Newspaper Association. “We’re excited to see the Universities of Wisconsin take the program to the next level and expand those opportunities even further.”

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation launched the Civics Games in 2018 to strengthen civics education and engagement in our democracy. Following a pause during the COVID-19 pandemic, the program has continued to grow and expand its reach across the state.

Beginning next year, the Universities of Wisconsin will host the Civics Games on campuses, which will give students a chance to experience a college environment while continuing their civic learning.

Support for the Wisconsin Civics Games is provided by the Universities of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation, WisPolitics, Evjue Foundation, Wisconsin Counties Association, League of Women Voters of Wisconsin, WisconsinEye, Wisconsin Senate Scholars Program, Multi Media Channels, Carol O’Leary, and Godfrey & Kahn.

Submitted by Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation