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 2026
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.
Facing off against other teams, students work together to answer questions across a wide range of topics. Students recall, solve problems, think critically, and sharpen teamwork skills. Competitions take place January — March with top teams in grades 9-12 advancing to the Minnesota State Knowledge Bowl.
Jan. and Feb. 2026 - seasonal meets (specific dates will be relayed to coaches)
Feb. 25, 2026 (junior high), Feb. 26, 2026 (9th grade), and Feb. 27, 2026 (senior high) - regional meets (the week following regular season)
April 9-10, 2026 - state meet at Cragun's Resort
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 6, 2026 - 6th grade
April 24, 2026 - 5th grade
April 23, 2026 - 4th grade
Please email Crysta Blake for more information or to register a student.
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.
Registration deadline: Dec. 10, 2026
Regional dates: Feb. 2–8, 2026 State Competition: Feb. 27, 2026
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 of 2026
It's learning disguised as a game! The spelling bee is a series of contests starting at the school and district level. Through competition, students improve spelling and vocabulary skills. In the spring, Sourcewell hosts the regional spelling bee for member schools in the five-county service area. The winner earns an all-expenses paid trip to the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
March 19, 2026
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.
This event has passed for the 2025-26 school year.
Sourcewell
Introduce your students to the world of writing at the Young Authors Conference. Student writers will gain insight into the power of their writing and the impact it can have on themselves as well as their readers.
This event has passed for the 2025-26 school year.
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.
This event has passed for the 2025-26 school year.
Central Lakes College - Staples campus
Questions?
For more information regarding these programs and how to participate, contact Crysta Blake, Student Program Coordinator, at crysta.blake@sourcewell-mn.gov.
Additional academic opportunities
The programs outlined below are not hosted by Sourcewell. (Includes links to nongovernment sites.)