This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
Centre County middle school students will have the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge of civics at the 2025 National Civics Bee on Tuesday, April 15, at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in State College.
Hosted by the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition focuses on American democracy and gives participants the opportunity to create solutions for community challenges.
“The Civics Bee empowers middle school students to explore issues that matter to their communities and gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be an engaged, responsible citizen,” Greg Scott, CBICC president and CEO, said. “We’re proud to host the local competition yet again, and thrilled that this year’s state competition will also take place here in Centre County.”
Public, private, charter and homeschooled middle school students who are interested in participating in the 2025 National Civics Bee have until Tuesday, Feb. 4, to submit a personal essay. The personal essays provide students the chance to propose their ideas with actionable steps to address community issues.
Each personal essay should address the following questions:
- What can you do to contribute to the improvement of a specific problem, challenge or opportunity in your community?
- What individuals or organizations would you work with to accomplish your solution?
- How does your solution include founding principles and civic virtues?
All three questions should be responded to in 200 to 250 words each.
A panel of judges will review each essay and select the top 20 students to move forward in the in-person competition. During the competition on Tuesday, April 15, students will go through two rounds of written questions and a live question and answer session to demonstrate their civics knowledge.
Winners of the local competition will advance to the Pennsylvania State Civics Bee finals in State College over the summer, in addition to the first-place winner of the local competition winning prizes worth at least $500. Participants in the Pennsylvania State Civics Bee finals will have the chance to advance to the National Civics Bee championship in Washington, D.C. in the fall. The top prize of the championship is $50,000.
“Informed and active citizens make for a strong country, economy and workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three,” CBICC’s website stated. “By participating in the National Civics Bee, the Chamber promotes greater civic knowledge in Pennsylvania and celebrates our civic pride.”
More information on the competition and how to submit can be found at cbicc.org/civics-bee or by contacting Benita Rannie, CBICC event coordinator, at [email protected].
“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. “The National Civics Bee provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future.”
