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National Civics Bee
Learn more about the Chamber and our mission
The National Civics Bee is an annual nonpartisan civics competition for middle schoolers that increases civics knowledge, skills, and disposition among young Americans, their families, and communities. The competition is organized by The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, in partnership with local and state chambers of commerce across the country.
Students who participate in the National Civics Bee strengthen their civics, writing, and public speaking skills, and form friendships with other young leaders along the way. Finalists who advance from local and state rounds to the National Championship compete for cash prizes, trophies, recognition, and a $100,000 529 plan.
Click the flyers below to learn more
Students have until Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time to submit their applications using the portal.
How It Works
Write an essay proposing your ideas for improving your community.
- Use the 2025 Essay Guide to find the prompt, judging rubric, and tips on how to prepare your 750- word (max) essay.
- Read the Contest Rules**. Public, private, charter, and homeschool students in grades 6-8 who are residents of participating states are eligible.
- You’ll need consent from your parent or guardian to apply.
Submit your essay by February 4, 2025.
- The application opens in Fall 2024. Check nationalcivicsbee.org for the announcement.
Top-scoring essay finalists are invited to compete at local and state bees happening in Spring-Summer 2025.
- The top winner from each state receives a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Championship in Fall 2025.
Prep for Local & State Bees
- To prep for local and state rounds, finalists receive a special study guide and complimentary access to Khanmigo, Khan Academy’s Al-powered online tutor.
The National Civics Bee Competition is a three phase event. In Phase One, 6th, 7th and 8th grade students will participate in an essay competition. Judges will select 20 finalists to participate in the second phase. Phase Two is a quiz event testing civics knowledge in front of a panel of judges and live audience. Judges will select 3 winners to participate in the third and final round. In Phase Three, the top 3 students from each of Kentucky’s six regional competitions will advance to the state final. The winner of the National Civics Bee Kentucky State Finals will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the inaugural National Civics Bee national championship.
Our Region Includes Bell, Berea Independent, Casey, Boyle, Clay, Corbin Independent, Estill, Garrad, Harlan, Jackson, Jessamine, Knox, Laurel, Leslie, Lincoln, Madison, McCreary, Owsley, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Wayne, Whitley, and Williamsburg.
Students Submit Your Essay:
Phase One will begin once the essay submission portal opens.
The submission deadline is February 4, 2025.
Educators: Bring the National Civics Bee to Your Students
If you are a teacher or administrator from a public, private, charter or homeschool network that would like to learn more, please fill out the interest form.
Cash Prizes
Regional Finalist Prizes*
1st Place: $500 cash prize
2nd Place: $250 cash prize
3rd Place: $125 cash prize
State Finalist Prizes*
1st Place: $1,000 cash prize
2nd Place: $500 cash prize
3rd Place: $250 cash prize
National Championship Prizes*
1st Place: $100,000 (529 plan)
2nd Place: $25,000 cash prize
3rd Place: $15,000 cash prize
Each finalist receives a certificate.
* Amounts shown are the minimum to be awarded. Finalists should reference the Contest Rules for full prize information.
** Full details on the entry procedure are described in the Contest Rules, which will be available on October 15, 2024 upon contest opening.
Essay Topic
To enter the 2025 National Civics Bee, middle schoolers in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades must answer the following three questions:
- Identify a specific problem, challenge, or opportunity in your community. What can you do to contribute to its improvement?
200 words minimum-250 words maximum. - What individuals or organizations would you work with to accomplish your solution? Examples include elected officials, business leaders, and nonprofits.
200 words minimum-250 words maximum - How does your solution include Founding Principles and Civic Virtues?
200 words minimum-250 words maximum
Judging Criteria
Your essay will be evaluated based on how well you:
- Demonstrate an understanding of civics.
- Acknowledge and address opposing points of view.
- Acknowledge and address at least one Founding Principle and one Civic Virtue.
- Use primary sources, like newspapers, data, historical documents, images, or other documents that relate to your idea.
- Clearly describe an idea innovative or new to you.