• National Civics Bee®

    Calling all middle school students!

    Share your ideas and show off your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee®.

     

     

  • ABOUT THE BEE

    The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th graders will flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Finalists will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2025.

    WHY CIVICS?

    The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce is participating in the National Civics Bee® because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in Michigan and celebrating our civic pride.

    HOW TO ENTER

    Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Michigan with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their essay to participate in one local competition in their state. Visit www.nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources.             

    Students should review the Contest Rules and Essay Guide below and then apply using the following link: Application Link

    Applications are open from October 15- February 4.

  • CONTEST RULES

    The National Civics Bee Official Contest Rules govern the competition to ensure fairness and integrity. Please note the following eligibility requirements: 

    • Any student registered in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in a public, private, or home school is eligible to participate
    • Students may only apply to one competition, and it must be in their state of residence
    • All entries must be in English
    • If a student participated in a previous National Civics Bee, they must submit a new, unique entry
    • Any student related to (or living with) Chamber staff, leadership, Board of Directors, or any student who is related to any partners/co-Sponsors of the National Civics Bee is not eligible (to prevent any perception of bias, preferentialism, or discrimination)

    In addition, please note the following requirements related to documentation and data storage:

    • Parents/Guardians of the selected Finalists must submit an eligibility validation and consent form for their child to participate in Local and State Events
    • Tax Payer ID is not required to participate in the Bee, but it is required to receive the cash prizes (and any other prizes where the parent/guardian might be responsible to pay taxes)
    • If a parent asks for their child’s data to be removed or deleted, they must contact civics@uschamber.com and the Local Competition Partner must inform USCCF

     

  • Essay Guide

     

    Become a Judge!

    Essay Judging will take place between February 6-12, 2025, and we are requesting a flexible commitment of approximately 3 hours to read and score essays online. Are you ready to encourage the next generation of leaders? Please click Here to sign up today.

     

  • People. Partnerships. Progress.