Flex Your Civics Skills in the National Civics Bee!
If you’re a middle school student interested in civics and how communities and governments work, you can enter the Blount Partnership Civics Bee.
About the Civics Bee
The Blount Partnership Bee is one of many local competitions in 30 states, sponsored by the Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Any student in grades 6, 7 or 8 can enter the Bee by submitting a 500-word essay. Based on the essays, judges will choose 20 finalists to go to the finals—a live quiz event testing the contestants’ knowledge of civics.
Winners will receive cash prizes and community recognition.
How to Enter
Are you a middle school student with an idea about how to use civics to solve a problem in your community? If so, you can enter the contest by writing and submitting a 500-word essay.
Review the rules and guidelines by clicking the button below. Complete the submission form, including contact information for your parent or guardian, and submit your 500-word essay for consideration.
Submissions have ended.
Live Finals
The judges of the essay contest will choose 20 finalists to compete in a live event. The 90-minute, in-person event will include two rounds of civic quiz questions, followed by a question and answer session with three judges. The finals will be held 5:30-7 p.m. on March 26, 2024 at the Blount Partnership, 201 S. Washington St., Maryville, TN.
Why Do Civics Matter?
The US Chamber of Commerce Foundation hopes to encourage more young Americans to engage in civics as a way to contribute to their communities. In recent years, Americans’ knowledge of civics has dropped significantly.
Through the National Civics Bee, the Chamber of Commerce hopes to inspire a new generation of Americans to be engaged and active in shaping their communities and our nation.
Prizes
The finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including a $500 cash award for the first-place student. The top 3 winners will then have a chance to compete at the state level.
Please email [email protected] with any questions or about sponsorship opportunities.