Source: University of Wisconsin Madison
Registration is now open for the 2027 Wisconsin Civics Games
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 while supporting the commitment to fostering civic engagement.
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.
Regional playoff competitions will be hosted at four universities across Wisconsin, including the University of Wisconsin–River Falls on April 5, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee on April 9, the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh on April 12, and the University of Wisconsin–Platteville on 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. Nearly 200 students representing 49 teams from 29 schools competed in the 2026 preliminary competition, and winning team members receive a $2,000 scholarship to a Universities of Wisconsin university of their choice. Registration information and details are available at https://www.wisconsin.edu/wi-civics-games/.
Todd Coppernoll oversees local news for WRCO and WRCE radio in Richland Center. Having served Richland Center as Mayor for three terms, Todd brings a unique perspective, and a familiar voice to the news. The focus is local, and so is the reporter.
Adam Hess has been involved in radio broadcasting since 1990, with many of those years spent on the air at WRCO FM in Richland Center. Currently, Adam hosts the Weekend Wake-up and Prime Mover Saturdays on WRCO FM, jumps in and helps out with news duties, handles Social Media duties for WRCO and WRCE, and is the Director of Technology at a Southwest Wisconsin School District. Reach him at adam.hess@civicmedia.us.