2024 National Civics Bee
Essay portal for round one open through February 19, 2024!
Local Live Event Information
Coming Soon!
The National Civics Bee is presented by the Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce, with support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
$500 cash prize - Local First Place
$1000 cash prize - State First Place
Each finalist receives a Certificate.
About the Bee
The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host a first-of-its-kind 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 inaugural National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2024.
How to Enter
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Texas with an idea about using civics to improve their community may review the rules and submit an essay application on this page: https://my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site//TX/FortBendChamber.
The application opens November 13, 2023, and closes on February 19, 2024.
ADDITIONAL INFO
• Student Flyer
• Teacher Guide
• National Civics Bee Highlights Video
Essay Topic & JUDGING CRITERIA
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 is the problem, and how do different members in your community or neighborhood view it?
- What civic principles or systems could help to address the problem?
- What is your idea or recommendation for solving the problem?
- What primary sources, such as the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution, provide supporting evidence or examples for your idea or recommendation?
- How might members of your community or neighborhood bring your idea or recommendation to life?
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- Use primary sources, like newspapers, data, historical documents, images, or other documents that relate to your idea.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.
Why Civics?
The Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce is participating in the National Civics Bee because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in Texas and celebrating our civic pride.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you interested in showcasing your company's commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available corporate sponsorships, please contact Juliette Nessmith at 281-566-2161 or [email protected].