MADISON, Wis.—The Universities of Wisconsin today announced that registration is now open for the 2027 Wisconsin Civics Games, a statewide academic competition that challenges high school students to deepen their understanding of civics, government, and democratic participation while developing critical thinking and teamwork skills.
Entering its seventh year, the Civics Games were founded by the Wisconsin NewsMedia Association to promote civic learning and American democracy. The Games are now operated by the Universities of Wisconsin through the Office of Civic Engagement.
“The Wisconsin Civics Games help students build the knowledge, skills, and habits needed to become informed and engaged citizens,” said Universities of Wisconsin Interim President Renée Wachter. “By bringing students together to explore government, public policy, and civic issues, we’re investing in the future of Wisconsin.”
Registration will remain open until March 5.
The competition aligns with the Universities of Wisconsin mission to educate people, serve society, and extend knowledge beyond the boundaries of its campuses through the Wisconsin Idea. It also supports the UWs’ commitment to fostering civic engagement and serving the public good.
A new chapter for the Wisconsin Civics Games includes refreshed branding and a new logo, reflecting the competition’s continued growth and its place within the Universities of Wisconsin.
For the first time since the Universities of Wisconsin assumed leadership of the program, regional playoff competitions will return to university campuses, giving students the opportunity to experience campus life while competing.
Regional playoff competitions will be hosted at four universities across Wisconsin:
- University of Wisconsin–River Falls, April 5
- University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, April 9
- University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh, April 12
- University of Wisconsin–Platteville, April 13
The state final will take place on April 30 at the State Capitol.
Students will compete in team-based challenges focused on civics knowledge, government, public policy, current events, and democratic participation while exploring university campuses and connecting with higher education opportunities.
The Wisconsin Civics Games continue to attract strong participation from students and schools across the state. Nearly 200 students representing 49 teams from 29 schools competed in the 2026 preliminary competition. Winning team members receive a $2,000 scholarship to a Universities of Wisconsin university of their choice.
Registration information, competition dates, and additional details are available at https://www.wisconsin.edu/wi-civics-games/.
About the Universities of Wisconsin
The Universities of Wisconsin serve approximately 164,500 students. Awarding more than 37,000 degrees annually, these 13 public universities are Wisconsin’s talent pipeline, putting graduates in position to increase their earning power, contribute to their communities, and make Wisconsin a better place to live. Nearly 90 percent of in-state Universities of Wisconsin graduates stay in the state five years after earning a degree. The universities provide a 23:1 return on state investment. The Universities of Wisconsin also contribute to the richness of Wisconsin’s culture and economy with groundbreaking research, new companies and patents, and boundless creative intellectual energy. Learn more at wisconsin.edu.