Registration Opens for 2027 Wisconsin Civics Games High School Competition

High school students across the state can now sign up for the seventh annual Wisconsin Civics Games, a statewide academic competition designed to foster democratic participation, critical thinking, and teamwork. Registration for the 2027 contest is open through March 5, offering student teams a chance to tackle challenges focused on government, public policy, and current events.

Universities of Wisconsin Take the Reins

The competition was originally founded by the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association to promote civic learning and American democracy. Leadership of the event now sits with the Universities of Wisconsin through the Office of Civic Engagement. The program also features refreshed branding and a new logo to mark its growth within the state university system.

Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter emphasized the long-term value of the program. The Wisconsin Civics Games help students build the knowledge, skills, and habits needed to become informed and engaged citizens, Wachter stated in the release. By bringing students together to explore government, public policy, and civic issues, we’re investing in the future of Wisconsin. This statewide effort connects directly to the university mission to extend knowledge beyond campus boundaries.

Regional Playoffs Return to University Campuses

For the first time since the university system took over leadership, regional playoff competitions will return directly to university campuses. This change gives participating high schoolers a firsthand look at higher education environments while they compete. Four institutions will host the regional events across April:

• University of Wisconsin–River Falls on April 5
• University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee on April 9
• University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh on April 12
• University of Wisconsin–Platteville on April 13

Following the regional rounds, the state final will take place on April 30 at the State Capitol. Participating teams will face off in challenges covering civics knowledge and democratic participation. Winning team members will earn a $2,000 scholarship toward a Universities of Wisconsin institution of their choice, according to Universities of Wisconsin News.

Building on Strong Prior Turnout

Interest in the academic contest remains robust across Wisconsin school districts. Nearly 200 students representing 49 teams from 29 schools competed in the preliminary rounds for the previous year. Educators and local administrators looking to prepare student delegations can find official registration details and complete competition guidelines directly at the Universities of Wisconsin Civics Games portal.

With nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates remaining in the state five years after earning a degree, organizers view early civic engagement as a vital pipeline for future community leadership. High school teams have until the March deadline to finalize their rosters and secure their spots in the upcoming regional brackets.