National Civics Bee

LIVE EVENT INFO

March 1, 2025

Harper Hall, Lawrence University Campus

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 closed on February 19, 2024.

Due to feedback from chambers and educators impacted by weather related school closures, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has decided to extend the essay submission deadline to 11:59 p.m. on February 19th to give students more time to apply.

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 2024.

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

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

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Use primary sources, like newspapers, data, historical documents, images, or other documents that relate to your idea.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.

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 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 [email protected] and the Local Competition Partner must inform USCCF

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