Parents
The National Civics Bee is expanding across America.
Click here to see if your state is confirmed to participate in the National Civics Bee!
If the National Civics Bee will be in your community and you would like to get involved:
Share the National Civics Bee with Your Child’s School or Teacher
Send a Letter
It’s easy with this customizable letter. We’ve included everything educators need to know to incorporate the National Civics Bee into lesson plans, class activities or organizational calendars.
Help Us Grow Participation in the National Civics Bee in Your Community
Spread the Word
Spread the news to local librarians, club leaders, churches, and group organizers such as your local Boys and Girls Club, 4H, scouts or others. Click here for a customizable letter and click here for a flyer to email or drop off in your community.
If you are interested in bringing the National Civics Bee to your community:
Express Your Interest to Your State and/or Local Chambers
Post to Social Media
The National Civics Bee is expanding. I hope it’s coming to (insert your city and state). (Tag your state chamber and local chamber.) #CivicsBuzz
Send an Email
The email of your local or state chamber is easily found online through a quick search.
Dear [Insert Local or State Chamber Here],
I’ve heard that the National Civics Bee is expanding across America in partnership with local and state chambers. The intent of the competition is to encourage more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition inspires 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.
As a parent in [Insert City and State], I believe that empowering our children with learning opportunities like the National Civics Bee is beneficial for our community and future. I’d love to see our chamber participate in this program to make it available to children like my own in our community.
Please keep me posted on your efforts to bring the National Civics Bee to our community.
Thank you,
[Insert Signature]
[Insert Name]
Send a Letter
We’ve made it easy to help. Click here to customize and print out a support letter to send to your local chamber of commerce.
Engage Other Parents to Help Bring the National Civics Bee to Your Community
Post to Twitter (now X) or Threads
I just sent a message to my local chamber of commerce to bring the #NationalCivicsBee to my community! And if you want to raise active and engaged young people, you should do the same. Learn more and send a letter to your own local chamber: https://uscc.foundation/3Pjdw1C
Post to Social Media
Today I did something great for my community. And the best part is, you can do the same! I just sent a message to my local chamber of commerce, requesting that they bring the #NationalCivicsBee to (insert your city or state). What is the National Civics Bee you ask? It’s an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. By participating in the Bee, middle school students flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. I know, I know, we’re all so busy so why should you add another thing to your already full plate? Because a strong sense of civics knowledge inspires young people to identify challenges and opportunities in their local communities and empowers them to be part of the solution. Today I set an example for my kids by taking a step towards being part of that solution. You can download a fully customizable letter to send to your own local chamber of commerce and join in me in this grassroots effort to raise engaged and active young people! Learn more: https://uscc.foundation/3Pjdw1C
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the entry portal open?
Entries may be submitted starting on November 13, 2023 until January 8, 2024. Click here to to find participating chambers in your area and submit your essay.My child would love to participate but we don’t live in a city where the local chamber is hosting a competition. Can she still compete?
Students are not required to live in the geographical area of the local chambers hosting the competition. If your state is participating in the National Civics Bee, you may choose any local participating chamber to submit your entry.Can we participate if we live in a rural area of the state without a local chamber of commerce?
Yes, if your state is participating in the National Civics Bee, you may choose any local participating chamber in your state to submit your entry.Can my child participate if we homeschool?
Absolutely. Simply visit the National Civics Bee website to see which local chambers in your state are hosting the competition and submit your entry.If my child’s school is not participating in the National Civics Bee, is it possible for my child to participate?
Yes, simply visit the National Civics Bee website to see which local chambers in your state are hosting the competition and submit your entry.Is there a cost to participate?
There is no cost to participate in the National Civics Bee.Is there a fee to compete in the state or national competition? What about travel?
There is no fee to compete at the state or national competition. Some travel costs might be covered for those students who advance to the state or national level.What are the prizes for winning the National Civics Bee?
Cash prize amounts vary but include a minimum prize amount at the local level of $125 for 3rd place, $250 for 2nd place, and $500 for 1st place. At the state level, the minimum prize amounts are $500 for 3rd place, $1,000 for 2nd place, and $2,000 for 1st place. Finalists at the local and state events may receive additional prizes, certificates, and trophies. Prize amounts for the national competition will be announced soon.Who can I contact if I have questions?
Contact the local chamber closest to you. A full list of participating chambers can be found here.