The Allene R. Chiesman Center for Democracy at the University of South Dakota invites students at South Dakota Regental schools to participate in a team-based civic engagement competition. The goal of this team-based civic engagement competition is to foster a sense of community involvement, encourage critical thinking, and develop practical skills. Teams of 2-5 students from all South Dakota regental schools may compete for an award of up to $2500 ($500/student). Finalists will be expected to present their project at the annual Chiesman Democracy Conference (typically late March) on the University of South Dakota campus. Winners will be selected by the Chiesman Civic Education committee and announced at the conference.  

Deadline for 2025-2026: February 15th