Bring the National Civics Bee to your community

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

[Thank you to The National Civics Bee and Mom Select for sponsoring this post.]

The time is NOW to get your community involved in the National Civics Bee!

Whether you live in Maryland, Washington, Kentucky, Pennsylvania–or any of our 50 states–there are awesome resources for you to use to get kids excited about this competition and to increase students’ civic engagement.

What is the National Civics Bee?

The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

Beginning with local chambers of commerce, the National Civics Bee starts at local-level essay competition and then moves to the state competition. It is followed by a national event–a live quiz event testing civics knowledge.

The goal is to help students become involved, informed, active citizens in their communities!

How old must students be to participate in the National Civics Bee?

The National Civics Bee is open to middle school students–students in 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grades.

Are their prizes for participants?

YOU BET!

Cash prize amounts vary but include a minimum prize amount at the local level of $125 for 3^rd place, $250 for 2^nd place, and $500 for 1^st place.

At the state level, prizes are larger. The minimum prize amounts are $250 for 3^rd place, $500 for 2^nd place, and $1,000 for 1^st place.

Finalists at the local and state events may receive additional prizes, certificates, and trophies.  Prize amounts for the national competition will be announced soon.

How does the National Civics Bee work?

Middle school students from across our district are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. A cross-section of community leaders (including government officials, business leaders and educators) will review each of the 500-word essay submissions.

The top 20 students will be selected to move on to the final round of competition: a live quiz event to test their civics knowledge. The finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $500 cash for the first-place student. The top three winners will then have a chance to compete at the state level, and one of them will move on to the inaugural national competition.

When does this year’s event begin?

Entries open November 13, 2023 and close on January 8, 2024.

What does it mean to “engage in civics and contribute to their communities”?

Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition will inspire middle schoolers to:

• become better informed about American democracy;
• to engage respectfully and constructively in the community; and
• to build greater trust in others and institutions. 

Who runs the National Civics Bee?

Local and state chambers of commerce across the United States run the National Civics Bee.

How can parents get involved in the National Civics Bee?

First, click here to see if your state is confirmed to participate in this year’s event.

If the National Civics Bee is already in your community, parents can send a letter to your child’s school or teacher asking to bring the event to the classroom.

How can teachers get involved in the National Civics Bee?

First, click here to see if your state is confirmed to participate in this year’s event.

If the National Civics Bee is already in your community, teachers reach out to their local chamber of commerce to receive a detailed classroom guide and ready-to-use lessons for the classroom!

Imagine how excited students will be when they use their greater civic knowledge to possibly win cash prizes and community recognition for their participation in the National Civics Bee. It could totally change the trajectory of their life!

How can parents bring this program to their community?

We’re glad you asked! It’s actually pretty easy for parents to get the ball rolling.

1. Click here to see if your state is confirmed to participate in this year’s event.
2. Send an email! Chambers and businesses interested in participating should email [email protected] for more information.
3. Express your interest to your state and/or local chambers by:
   • Posting to social media
   • Sending an email to your local or state chamber
   • Sending a letter to your local or state chamber
4. Encourage other families to get involved by reaching out to clubs, groups, and other parent organizations.

How can teachers bring the National Civics Bee to their schools?

1. Click here to see if your state is confirmed to participate in this year’s event.
2. Send an email! Chambers and businesses interested in participating should email [email protected] for more information.
3. Express your interest to your state and/or local chambers by:
   • Posting to social media
   • Sending an email to your local or state chamber
   • Sending a letter to your local or state chamber
4. Encourage other families to get involved by reaching out to clubs, groups, and other parent organizations.

What are my next steps?

Please contact your local chamber in order to bring the Civics Bee to your local community!

Follow the National Civics Bee on social:

Instagram: @civicsbuzz

Instagram: @usccfoundation

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