2026 Wisconsin Civics Games to feature local students

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. Local schools that will have students taking part include Richland Center, Hillsboro, and Platteville.

Preliminary competitions will take place virtually over two days, April 8 and 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. Welcoming remarks will begin at 9 AM 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 PM

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.

Teams from the following schools and districts are participating:

• Arrowhead High School
• Belleville High School
• Ben Franklin Junior High, Stevens Point
• Campbellsport High School
• Cedarburg High School
• Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, Milwaukee
• Denmark High School
• FJ Turner High School, Beloit
• Freedom High School
• Grafton High School
• Green Bay Preble High School
• Green Bay Southwest High School
• Gresham High School
• Hillsboro School District
• iForward Online Charter School
• Johnson Creek High School
• Lomira High School
• Marathon High School
• Mishicot High School
• New London High School
• Platteville High School
• Potosi High School
• Richland Center High School
• River Falls High School
• Sauk Prairie High School
• Seymour Community High School
• Sheboygan Falls High School
• Slinger High School
• Waunakee High School
• Waupaca High School
• Wauwatosa East High School
• Wauwatosa West High School
• West Bend East and West High Schools

About the Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation

The Wisconsin Newspaper Association Foundation (WNAF) is a not-for-profit organization created in 1980. WNAF works to improve the quality and future of Wisconsin’s newspaper enterprises, the industry and the communities they serve. The foundation solicits, manages and disburses funds and other resources for the benefit of Wisconsin’s newspaper industry and, ultimately, the citizens of our state.

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