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From Alaska to D.C.: Meet the 2024 National Civics Bee Champion

When the streamers burst from cannons in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Great Hall, fourteen-year-old Emily from Anchorage, Alaska, stood center stage in tears. She had just been named the first-ever National Civics Bee® Champion, taking home the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and a $100,000 education savings account. Emily’s journey to the national stage

2025 National Civics Bee® Application Toolkit

Help us find the next National Civics Bee champion! The application period for the 2025 National Civics Bee® is open October 15, 2024, through February 4, 2025, for 6th to 8th-grade students. Top finalists will get to compete for grand prizes including a $100,000 education savings plan for the national champion. Helpful Links Application Portal

Kansas’ Hometown Hero

Rishaan’s path to becoming Kansas’ state champion in the National Civics Bee® began unexpectedly. His teacher incorporated the submission essay as part of a regular class assignment. “Once I started working on it, I got really interested in my topic, and I decided to submit it to the local chamber of commerce,” he shares. Rishaan

Virginia Winner’s Advice: “Keep Loving Learning”

When Zoey’s teacher announced a new competition with just three days left to enter, her curiosity was piqued. Little did she know that this last-minute decision would lead her to become Virginia’s National Civics Bee® state champion. Now in ninth grade, Zoey’s interest in civics started with We the People, the Center for Civic Education’s

A young student stands proudly on a stage holding an oversized check for $1,000. The check is awarded by the National Civics Bee, and the recipient is noted as the Oregon National Civics Bee Winner. The student is smiling, dressed in a white shirt and black pants, with a medal hanging around his neck. The background features a concert hall with chairs arranged on stage, indicating that the award ceremony took place in an academic or formal setting. The date on the check is May 30, 2024.

Oregon's Civics Cadet

How can a passion for civics and a knack for problem-solving lead to statewide recognition? For Thomas, an Oregon student, the National Civics Bee® became the stage where his dedication and innovative thinking shone brightest. Thomas’s journey began when his mom heard about the National Civics Bee® from a friend. For a young man who

A young participant stands confidently behind a podium during the third round of the National Civics Bee competition. The event is hosted in a formal setting, with a large screen in the background displaying the words

Blending Civics and Math for Michigan Win

In a world where STEM subjects often take center stage, National Civics Bee® Michigan State Finals winner Evan Z. proves that a passion for mathematics and civic engagement can go hand in hand. Evan’s civics journey began with a flyer passed around by his social studies teacher. “I was intrigued by the opportunity to deepen

The image shows a man and a young boy standing in front of a backdrop that reads

Transforming Curiosity into Civic Leadership

When Keith L. first encountered the National Civics Bee®, he saw more than just a competition — he saw an opportunity to grow, which is fitting for an essay topic advocating for community gardens. At a time when many worry about youth civic participation, Keith’s journey offers a compelling glimpse into how curiosity, dedication, and

A young man speaking at a podium with a microphone. He appears to be delivering a speech or presentation, wearing a light blue button-up shirt. The background features a partially visible sign with text that reads

From Phoenix to First Place

With a passion for civic engagement and a vision for Arizona’s future, Aiden B.’s impressive victory at the National Civics Bee® Arizona State Finals showcases the potential of today’s youth to shape tomorrow’s world. Aiden’s path to the National Civics Bee® began with a simple nudge from his social studies teacher. “My teacher saw a

The female election volunteers sit at the table and greet voters to the community center.

National Poll Worker Recruitment Day Toolkit

National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is a national day of action established by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to inspire civic engagement and encourage people to sign up to be poll workers. On August 1, National Poll Worker Recruitment Day is an opportunity for us all to support. The Civic Trust® aims to recruit more

Scouting for Civics

Have you ever wondered how a classroom project can turn into a life-changing experience? For Nathan, a Texas student, that’s exactly what happened when he participated in the National Civics Bee®. Nathan’s involvement began when his school counselor explained the National Civics Bee® essay application process to his social studies class. He thought it sounded

To the Bee and Beyond

Motivated by a genuine enthusiasm for learning, Benjamin, an eighth grader from Washington, viewed the National Civics Bee® as a golden opportunity to expand his knowledge in a new subject. He was immediately drawn to the competition, expressing his thought process: “I get to study, which some people might not like, but I enjoy it

Fighting For the Right to Garden

Meet Gianna, the middle schooler from Maryland who recently clinched the champion title at the National Civics Bee® hosted by the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. Gianna originally found out about the Bee on Facebook in 2021 and decided to give it a shot. She got second place that year and came back stronger this time,

Study Hard, Win Big

When middle schooler Aarit first heard about the National Civics Bee® from his social studies teacher, he had no clue what civics even meant. But that didn’t stop this ambitious student from Jackson Township, Ohio from going on to win the state competition hosted by the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. In preparation for the Bee,

Naturalization Ceremony Celebrates the American Dream

In celebration of Constitution Week, the U.S. Chamber Foundation hosted a naturalization ceremony in partnership with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C. This special occasion followed Constitution Day, which commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787.   To begin the ceremony,

2024 National Civics Bee® Partner Toolkit

The National Civics Bee® is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Currently, 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students are submitting their essays for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. We need your help to spread the word and increase student participation! Every like,

Championing Civics in Colorado

One of the most memorable moments in Sriram’s (Ram) National Civics Bee® journey was when they announced that he won the title of Colorado state champion. “I was like, wait what? That’s me!” recounted Ram, still beaming with excitement. An avid follower of current events, Ram is always tuned into the news and is eager

Pennsylvania's Voice For A Greener Future

For Nathaniel G., participating in the National Civics Bee® was a no-brainer. His social studies teacher introduced him to the competition and encouraged his class to apply by writing an entry essay in lieu of their usual weekly current event assignments. Nathaniel chose to dive head-first into the National Civics Bee® because he saw it

Civics Forward Event: Civic Time Off

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s Senior Vice President of Emerging Issues, Michael Carney, sat down with Thomas Hicks, Commissioner of the U.S. Election Assistance Commission, to discuss the future of the electoral system and how business employers and employees can engage. Highlights of the Episode: Poll workers are a vital element to every election cycle,

Making Kentucky Proud

“What do you have to lose? You really have nothing to lose from this, but a whole lot to gain.” When asked what he would say to a student who is considering competing in the National Civics Bee®, this was the National Civics Bee® first place winner in Kentucky, Lucas C’s advice. The Kentucky Bee

Bringing Bike Safety to Mason City

Kaitlyn T., who won first place in the National Civics Bee® in Mason City, Iowa, wrote her essay on an issue that not only posed a safety concern, but an environmental one as well. Armadillo Lane Dividers are seen throughout large cities in the United States, but Kaitlyn suggested that they can be useful in

Inspiring Civic Engagement For Kentucky's Next Generation

The National Civics Bee® pilots closed out the year strong with the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce Foundation hosting a competition in Frankfort County on Saturday, May 14, 2022. To compete in the National Civics Bee®, participants each wrote a 500-word essay on a civics issue within their community and a possible solution. Ten finalists took the stage to test

National Civics Bee® In Brownsville, Texas

Out of more than 400 local middle schools in the state of Texas, ten finalists were chosen to compete in the National Civics Bee®, hosted on May 11, 2022 by the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce. Teachers, family members, friends, and other members of the community gathered to watch the finalists showcase their knowledge of civics and the

Maryland Students Brainstorm Civic Engagement Opportunities To Tackle Infrastructure, Public Health, And More

For a chance to compete in a live competition, middle school students across the state of Maryland submitted essays on civics and important topics including infrastructure, public health, and more. Their civics knowledge and creative ideas certainly impressed and inspired the judges, who selected ten finalists. The Maryland Chamber Foundation hosted the National Civics Bee® pilot event at Bowie

Middle Schoolers Flex Civics Knowledge In Albuquerque, New Mexico

Ten middle school students competed in a live competition on May 3, 2022 in New Mexico. The Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce hosted the National Civics Bee® event and invited students, parents, teachers, and others from the community to attend in support of civic engagement and education. Students submitted 500-word essays to secure a spot as a top ten

Mason City Hosts Inaugural National Civics Bee®

The Mason City Chamber of Commerce hosted the inaugural National Civics Bee® event on April 12, 2022. Mason City, Iowa is one of six communities across the nation where the competition will be piloted to encourage more young Americans to engage in civics. Kaitlyn, Leah, and Sophia are the bright middle schoolers who won the first, second, and third

The National Civics Bee® In Kentucky

The Kentucky Chamber Foundation is passionate about civic engagement and education throughout the state. Kentucky is one of six communities partnering with The Civic Trust® to launch our National Civics Bee® this spring. “When we understand how democracy works, we can make it work better. We hope that the Civics Bee will broaden participation in our civic life and inspire

Civics Forward Event: Strengthening Democracy

In this episode of Civics Forward, we discussed the dynamics driving the current political culture in the U.S. and the steps we can take in strengthening democracy. John Raidt, non-resident senior fellow with the Atlantic Council and the author of Politics Inc: America’s Troubled Democracy and How to Fix it. Here’s one important call-to-action to strengthen democracy as John said,

The Competition Series Event: Civic Engagement In Business

In this episode of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Competition Series, Maryland Chamber Foundation Executive Director Whitney Harmel joined to discuss civic engagement. Maryland is one of six communities that are partnering with The Civic Trust® to launch our National Civics Bee® this spring. Here’s a snapshot of the questions and answers from Harmel during this virtual event: Q: What Are You Seeing

Civics Forward Event: Education And Engagement

In this episode of Civics Forward, we discussed the importance of civic education and the roles of business leaders to promote informed civic engagement in our community. This conversation was held with David Bobb, president of Bill of Rights Institute, and Elizabeth Clay Roy, CEO of Generation Citizen. Civic education is rooted in engagement. We can teach students as much

Civics Forward Event: Civic Education In America

In this episode of Civics Forward, we discussed on the driving forces behind the state of civic education in America and implications for the future of our democracy. We were joined by Hanna Skandera, President and CEO, Daniels Fund, and David Davenport, Research Fellow, Hoover Institution, and Senior Fellow, Ashbrook Center. Here’s how Davenport described

Civics Forward Event: National Security

In this episode of Civics Forward, our guests shared their expertise on national security as it relates to civics in America. Elizabeth Rindskopf Parker, University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and Suzanne Spaulding, Center for Strategic and International Studies, discussed public confidence in our institutions, including our justice system, elections, and more. As

Civics Forward Event: Transformation Of Civic Education

In this episode of Civics Forward, we discussed the transformation and importance of civic education in America and the Educating For America And Democracy Initiative with Danielle Allen, a James Bryant Conant Professor at Harvard University. Since the 1950s, education policy and funding has been heavily geared towards STEM due to global crises leading to a stark decrease in

Civics Forward Event: Voting

In this episode of Civics Forward, our esteemed panelists shared insights on voting during a pandemic in the fall of 2020. Journalist and author John Donvan moderated a conversation with Jocelyn Benson, Secretary of State of Michigan, and Frank LaRose, Secretary of State of Ohio. While the state of the pandemic has drastically changed since this episode was recorded, many