Deadline: February 24, 2023
Fort Bend Chamber of Commerce
445 Commerce Green Blvd.
Sugar Land, TX 77478
[email protected]
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 National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In the first round of the contest, local middle school students, 6th - 8th grade, will participate in an essay competition. Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in the local competition: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. Then, the top 3 students from each local competition will advance to the state competition.
How to Enter
If you are a middle school student with an idea about using civics to solve a problem in your community, review the rules and guidelines on the page: http://bit.ly/3uHWFdA
Next, complete the online submission form, including contact information for your parent or guardian, and upload (preferred method) or mail your 500-word essay.
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 source 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?
• 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• Use primary sources, like newspapers, data, historical documents, images, or other documents that relate to your idea.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.