Season 4 Participating High Schools
WANT TO COMPETE IN SPOKANE'S HIT QUIZ SHOW?
REGISTRATION IS OPEN FOR THE 2027 SEASON
KSPS PBS invites Inland Northwest high schools to participate in Season 5 of Civics Bowl in 2027. This televised academic competition challenges students to demonstrate their knowledge of civics, government, history, and public affairs while representing their schools on KSPS PBS and online.
Ready to participate? Complete the registration form here. Registration closes Friday, October 9, 2026.
2026 Championship: Liberty vs. Ridgeline
They’ve already answered dozens of questions about U.S. presidents, the constitution, local government, and so much more — but for the two remaining teams, the toughest questions lie ahead. Liberty High School and Ridgeline High School face-off in the Civics Bowl 2026 championship game.
2026 TOURNAMENT LINEUP
MEET HOST, SCOTT LEADINGHAM
Scott A. Leadingham has a background as a journalist and journalism educator and has worked as a reporter, editor and news director in public media in the Northwest and Midwest. He grew up watching KSPS, wanting to be a contestant on (or host of) “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego?” His interest in civics issues started early when reading presidential history books in elementary school and being involved in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, earning the Eagle Scout rank. He studied political science and public policy at Central Washington University and earned a master’s in public affairs from Indiana University. He was born and raised in rural eastern Washington and now lives in Spokane.
At a time when only 25% of US citizens can name the three branches of government, the need for educated citizens who know the workings of our government, understand their rights and responsibilities, and engage in civic behaviors has never been higher. Civics Bowl, a civics knowledge tournament for high school students, was created to elevate the importance of civics education among students, their families, and the viewing public. Four-student teams representing participating high schools compete in half-hour contests televised on KSPS PBS and available for streaming online.
Teams answer tough questions about national, state, tribal and regional governments, and other topics related to high school-level civics and government. Contests are recorded in-person in the KSPS PBS studios. Stay tuned for the 2026 air date schedule.
KSPS PBS is committed to increasing broader awareness of and engagement in key issues impacting local and regional civic health, from elections and the democratic process to documentaries and issue forums on the major challenges in public health, homelessness, social and racial justice, and other key issues affecting our community and democracy.
Civics Bowl is made possible with the partnership and support of:
