The National Civics Bee
Calling all 6th, 7th & 8th graders!
Share your ideas and flex your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee®.
The National Civics Bee is an annual competition sponsored by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
About the Bee
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a nonpartisan 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 National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2025.
The Eastern Kentucky Region includes Bath, Boyd, Breathitt, Carter, Elliott, Fleming, Floyd, Greenup, Johnson, Knott, Lawrence, Letcher, Lewis, Magoffin, Martin, Mason, Menifee, Montgomery, Morgan, Perry, Pike, Powell, Rowan, and Wolfe counties.
WHY CIVICS?
The Southeast Kentucky Chamber is participating in the National Civics Bee® because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, economy, and workforce and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we promote greater civic knowledge in Kentucky and celebrate our civic pride.
Regional Finalist
1st Place: $500 cash prize
2nd Place: $250 cash prize
3rd Place: $125 cash prize
State Finalist
1st Place: $1,000 cash prize
2nd Place: $500 cash prize
3rd Place: $250 cash prize
National Finalist
1st Place: $100,000 (529 plan)
2nd Place: $25,000 cash prize
3rd Place: $15,000 cash prize
Phase 1 - Essays
October 15, 2025 - February 4, 2025
Submit a 500 word essay discussing your idea to use civics to solve a problem in your community.
Phase 2 - Regional Competition
April 17, 2025
The top 20 essays compete in the Regional Competition at the Mountain Arts Center.
Phase 3 - State Competition
August 2025 (tentative)
The top three finalists from the six Regional Competitions compete in the State Competition at the Kentucky State Fair.
Phase 4 - National Competition
How to Enter
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Eastern Kentucky 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, February 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. Visit www.nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources.
Students Submit Your Essays
Phase 1 begins October 15, 204, as the essay submission portal opens. Submissions close February 4, 2025 at 11:59 pm.
Portal open until February 4, 2025
Essay Topic
Identify a problem facing your community. How might a citizen solve the problem? Write a 500-word essay, two pages, double-spaced, that includes the following:
- What way can you contribute to your community?
- How might others view this problem or opportunity differently?
- What are the ways you can approach this issue?
- What is your idea or recommendation?
- What sources provide supporting evidence or examples for your idea or recommendation?
- How might members of your community bring your idea or recommendation to life?
- Who might oppose your idea? How might you respond?
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.
Eastern Kentucky Regional Competition Sponsors
Regional Partners
