School enrollment for 2026-2027 school year now open
CANTON, Mo. — As part of its commitment to supporting students and promoting literacy in rural northeast Missouri and west central Illinois, Culver-Stockton College (C-SC) has become an official regional partner for the 2027 Scripps National Spelling Bee. This partnership gives local students and schools the opportunity to participate in America’s longest-running educational competition.
As the exclusive regional partner in northeast Missouri and west central Illinois, C-SC will sponsor the regional spelling bee competition held in spring 2027 and will send one regional champion to the national competition in May 2027, where they will have the opportunity to compete for the Scripps Cup.
The 2026 Scripps National Spelling Bee champion was Shrey Parikh, a 14-year-old from Rancho Cucamonga, California, who won the coveted title by correctly spelling 32 out of 35 words in 90 seconds, setting a new spell-off record.
This year marks the inaugural year for Culver-Stockton as an official Scripps National Spelling Bee regional partner. To celebrate, the College is offering a special enrollment rate of $27 per school for this year’s Bee, instead of the regular $199.
“Culver-Stockton College is proud to partner with the 2027 Scripps National Spelling Bee,” said Lauren Schellenberger, president of Culver-Stockton College. “Giving local and regional students the opportunity to compete expands access to education and recognizes their hard work. Programs like this help students in our area build skills and confidence that carry well beyond the stage. We also value the schools that enroll in local bees, because they make it possible for their students to have opportunities like this.”
By inspiring the exploration of words, the Scripps National Spelling Bee illuminates pathways to lifelong curiosity, celebrates academic achievement and enriches communities. Each year, the Bee reaches millions of students across the country and around the world with the classroom materials it provides schools enrolled in the yearlong program.
Participation in regional bees also provides an opportunity for students to gain experience in public speaking, develop confidence and inspire a love of learning and connection with their peers.
“Words are how we learn to think and tell our stories, and spelling is where that work starts,” said Alissa Burger, professor of English at Culver-Stockton College and coordinator of the regional bee. “We’re excited to bring students from across our region to campus, give them a chance to be recognized for how hard they’ve worked, and welcome their families and teachers to be part of it.”
Schools within 16 counties in northeast Missouri and 14 counties in west central Illinois are eligible to enroll in the 2026-27 program now through Friday, Jan. 29 (2027). Educators can visit SpellingBee.com/enroll to learn more and enroll their schools in the program.
About Culver-Stockton College
Culver-Stockton College prepares students to be bold, think big, and create change through experiential learning, innovation, and community engagement. Founded in 1853 by members of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), the liberal arts college is situated on 140 acres in Canton, Missouri, atop the Hill overlooking the Mississippi River and was the first institution of higher learning west of the river chartered specifically for coeducation. Today, more than 1,000 students from around the world pursue academic excellence through 80 majors and minors, five graduate programs, 21 NAIA intercollegiate athletics teams, 35 student organizations, and a vibrant campus life.
About the Scripps National Spelling Bee
The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running educational program, having launched in 1925. By inspiring the exploration of words, the Bee illuminates pathways to lifelong curiosity, celebrates academic achievement and enriches communities. Visit spellingbee.com for more information about the Scripps National Spelling Bee, which is administered on a not-for-profit basis by The E.W. Scripps Company.
Contact the Marketing & Public Relations Office, at pr@culver.edu or 573-288-6000 ext. 6728 for more information.
NOTE: A number that appears immediately after a person’s name (i.e. Jane Doe ’18) is a reference to the year that person earned their bachelor’s degree from Culver-Stockton.