Think outside the classroom
Hosted by the Brainerd Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Sourcewell. Inspire your students to make a difference! The National Civics Bee invites middle schoolers to explore local challenges, craft meaningful solutions, and compete alongside peers in a dynamic, engaging civics experience. View the informational flyer for more information or to register a student.
Spring 2027
Essay submissions due by Feb. 3
An online network simulator hosted by Fenworks. Season runs September through November. Registration is due by the end of August. Please visit the Fenworks website for more information or to register a student.
Virtual competitions, scheduled independently through Fenworks. For more information or to register a student, please visit their website.
Season runs November through February. Registrations due by the end of October.
Junior High Knowledge Bowl (grades 6-9) and Senior High Knowledge Bowl (grades 9-12) will be held at Central Lakes College's Staples Campus in January and February 2027. Specific dates will be shared directly with coaches.
Sourcewell
Register by Nov. 26, 2026:
Qualifying teams will advance to the state meet at Cragun's Resort in April 2027.
Throughout Minnesota, students in grades 4-6 challenge critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities as a part of Math Masters. Sourcewell is proud to host these mathematics competitions.
March-April 2027
Poetry Out Loud is a national poetry recitation competition for high school students that is bringing language to life through poetry recitation and developing youth voices using the works of great classic and contemporary poets. This event is hosted by South Central Service Cooperative. For more information or to register a student, visit their website.
2027 date coming soon
Each spring the Regional Art Show showcases the work of students in a variety of categories including painting, drawing, crafts, mixed media, digital art, photography, printmaking, sculpture, and pottery/ceramics.
Spring 2027
It's learning disguised as a game! The spelling bee is a series of contests that begins at the school and district level, where students strengthen their spelling and vocabulary skills through friendly competition.
Schools and districts interested in participating in their individual district bees must register directly with the Scripps National Spelling Bee by Jan. 30, 2027. The enrollment fee is $199 per school.
In the spring, Sourcewell hosts the Regional Spelling Bee for member schools in the five-county service area. Winners from each local school or district spelling bee are eligible to advance to the regional competition at no cost. The regional champion earns an all-expenses-paid trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee!
March 19, 2027
Young leaders in grades 9-12 will gain insights into their leadership style and how to apply what they learn to their school and personal lives.
October 27, 2027
Sourcewell
$30 per student; adults are free
Introduce your students to the world of writing and art at the Young Authors and Young Artists Conference. Student writers and artists will gain insight into the power of creative expression and the impact it can have on themselves as well as their audiences.
Nov. 12-13, 2027 (participants should register for one day only)
Central Lakes College - Staples campus
$30 per student; adults are free
Introduce your students to the amazing world of science! Students will learn from a variety of professionals and have hands-on learning experiences they won't find anywhere else.
October 8-9, 2027
Central Lakes College - Staples campus
$30 per student; adults are free
January-February, 2027 (specific dates will be relayed to coaches)
Questions?
For more information regarding these programs and how to participate, contact Crysta Blake, Student Events Specialist, at crysta.blake@sourcewell-mn.gov.
Additional academic opportunities
The programs outlined below are not hosted by Sourcewell. (Includes links to nongovernment sites.)