Elgin Area Chamber launches National Civics Bee
The Elgin Area Chamber recently announces the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in the Elgin area will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.
Local middle school students in sixth- to eighth-grade from public, private, charter, and home schools are invited to participate.
Any sixth-, seventh- or eighth-grade student residing in Illinois with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their essay to participate in one local competition in their state. All essays must be submitted by Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern
Visit www.nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources.
After a distinguished panel of judges review the essays, the top 20 students will be selected to advance to their local competition: an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge.
The Elgin Area Chamber will host its local competition in the spring of 2025. The local finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including prizes worth at least $500 for the first-place student.
Chamber president and CEO Carol Gieske says, “helping young students develop a strong grasp of civics and government is essential for a thriving democracy and civic life in America. The National Civics Bee offers a unique opportunity for students to showcase their knowledge and grow into the active, engaged citizens of tomorrow.”
Participants in the National Civics Bee will have the chance to gain recognition for their civics knowledge and skills and compete for prestigious prizes throughout the competition.
The competition enables students to explore issues that matter to their communities, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship. Winners from each of the local competitions across Illinois will be invited to take part in the state finals.
The first-place winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete for prizes worth at least $100,000 during the national championship in the fall of 2025.
For more information on entering the National Civics Bee through the chamber, visit www.elginchamber.com/ncb.