The deadline to register for the WNA Foundation’s Wisconsin Civics Games has been extended until Monday, March 18.

The competition, which aims to promote civics education and encourage Wisconsin high school students to develop an interest in public service, will host regional competitions virtually on April 11-12, 2024. The top-performing teams will advance to the state finals on Friday, May 10, at the Wisconsin State Capitol. Members of the state championship-winning team will receive $2,000 scholarships to the Wisconsin college or university of their choice.

Once teams have identified their participants, they can sign up to participate online. Following registration, participating teams will receive “The Framework of Your Wisconsin Government” textbook and access to several online resources to help them prepare for the competition(s).

A team shall consist of any number of players who meet all eligibility rules. However, no more than four players may actively compete at any one time. Teams may compete with fewer players, with a minimum of one player. This year, schools will be allowed to enter multiple teams in the regional competitions.

Individuals interested in receiving general email alerts regarding Civics Games news and information can do so here.

Support the Civics Games

Those interested in supporting the Civics Games can do so in the following ways:

About the Civics Games

Launched by the WNA Foundation in 2018, the first-ever Wisconsin Civics Games drew more than 100 students from 25 schools across the state. Platteville High School won the inaugural state championship, which was held on March 29, 2019, at the Wisconsin state Capitol. Team members were awarded $2,000 toward tuition to a Wisconsin college or university. (Watch the finals and see photos from the competition.)

The idea was the brainchild of Eve Galanter, a WNAF board member who previously served on the Madison Common Council and as district director for the late U.S. Senator Herb Kohl. She proposed the concept to the Foundation’s board of directors after learning of the increasing challenges facing municipalities that had seen a diminishing interest in public service. It was a trend that followed decades of declining civics education in schools.

Galanter’s idea coincided with the Wisconsin legislature’s adoption of a requirement that high school students pass the U.S. citizenship test to graduate — but the mandate didn’t address how school districts should prepare students. By offering study materials and resources to participants in the Games, the Foundation was able to fill this gap.

Although COVID-19 restrictions and considerations prompted the WNA Foundation to temporarily suspend the Civics Games, the Foundation has continued to encourage civics education and engagement through an editorial writing and cartoon contest.

Students have been asked to convey their thoughts on the First Amendment through a writing sample or illustration. Sixteen students, including middle schoolers, received cash awards and the opportunity to be published by newspapers across the state.