An initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation

Student Essay Guide

For the 2025 National Civics Bee®, we want to know how you can make a difference in your community!

Every day, citizens contribute in different ways—through volunteering, voting, serving on juries, entrepreneurship, or simply by sharing their community experiences—all of which strengthen our civil society. Middle school students from public, private, charter, and homeschools with ideas about improving their communities may submit an essay for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes.

Writing Your Essay

You may download the Essay Guide below to get step-by-step instructions, or jump to specific sections.

Download Essay Guide