National Civics Bee

LIVE EVENT INFO

April 24, 2025
Harper Hall, Lawrence University

HOW TO ENTER

Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Wisconsin with an idea about using civics to improve their community may review the rules and submit an essay application on this page. The application closes on February 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.

ABOUT THE BEE

The Fox Cities Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a first-of-its-kind 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 inaugural National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2025.

WHY CIVICS?

The Fox Cities Chamber 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 Wisconsin and celebrating our civic pride.

ESSAY TOPIC

Students must answer the following three questions in a 600-750 word essay:

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

Identify a problem facing your community. How might a citizen solve the problem? Write a 500-word essay that includes the following:

What is the problem, and how do different members in your community or neighborhood view it?
What civic principles or systems could help to address the problem?
What is your idea or recommendation for solving the problem?
What primary sources, such as the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution, provide supporting evidence or examples for your idea or recommendation?
How might members of your community or neighborhood bring your idea or recommendation to life?

JUDGING CRITERIA

Each essay answer will be evaluated based on how well the students:

Demonstrate an understanding of civics.
Incorporate research and references to support your ideas. While formal citations are not required, you should provide enough information to show the sources of ideas and information.
Clearly describe an idea that is innovative or new to them.
Acknowledge and address at least one Founding Principle and one Civic Virtue. Essay answers will be reviewed by at least two judges, and the students with the twenty highest scores will be invited to participate in a live competition
of the National Civics Bee®, including quiz rounds and Q&A with judges about your essay.

ADDITIONAL INFO

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Are you interested in showcasing your company’s commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? Contact Eric Broten for more information.

CONTACT US

If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact  Aimee Herrick, Director of Events and Emerging Talent.

Brush up on your Civics Knowledge!

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 at the time of entry
Students must be the sole author of their entry; no group entries or entries written by parents will be
accepted
All entries must be in English
If a student participated in a previous National Civics Bee®, they must submit a new, unique entry
Agree to all National Civics Bee® Rules
Have not previously won first place at the National Civics Bee® National Championship
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)

LOCAL PRIZES

First Place: $500 cash prize

Second Place: $250 cash prize

Third Place: $125 cash prize

STATE PRIZES

First Place: $1,000 cash prize

Second Place: $500 cash prize

Third Place: $250 cash prize

NATIONAL PRIZES

First Place: a separate trophy and a cash prize of at least $10,000

Second Place: a separate trophy and a cash prize of at least $7,500

Third Place: a separate trophy and a cash prize of at least $5,000