National Civics Bee Competition
Attention all middle school students: Are you passionate about civics? Here's your chance to shine. The Kittitas County 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.
Essay Portal Opens: November 13, 2023
Essay Portal Closes: February 19, 2024
2023-2024 Winners of the National Civics Bee Competition - Regional Bee
1st Place: Megan Meador
Ellensburg Christian School
8th Grade
2nd Place: Noelle Liapis
Ellensburg Christian School
6th Grade
3rd Place: Carly Andrews
Ellensburg Christian School
8th Grade
Thank you to our 2024 Sponsors: City of Ellensburg Public Library/Hal Holmes Community Center, Toy Stable, U.S Bank - CWU, Peaks and Palettes Photography and the Kittitas County Fair!
Why Civics?
The Kittitas County 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 Washington and celebrating our civic pride.
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 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students will participate in an essay competition. Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in our local competition: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. The top 3 students from the Central Washington competition will advance to the state competition to be held in spring 2024.
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Washington with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit a compelling 500-word essay to the National Civics Bee website above. By writing a 500-word essay, students get a chance to dive into the world of civics, understanding its relevance in everyday life and the business community. It's more than just an opportunity to learn – there's also significant prize money on the line!
Showcase your knowledge, refine your writing skills, and stand a chance to win big. Participate in the National Civics Bee today!
Student Eligibility
To be eligible to participate in the National Civics Bee, an applicant (“Entrant”) must:
- Be a student in grades six through eight at the time of entry;
- Enter only one local chamber competition, which must be in their state of residence;
- Be the sole author of their entry – no group entries or entries written by parents will be accepted;
- Submit their entry in the English language;
- Submit a new, unique entry, if they’ve participated in any past Civics Bees;
- Agree to all Civics Bee Rules, including potentially attending the local, state, and national competitions.
Employees, officers, and directors of the Sponsor or Co-Sponsors and any affiliated entities, and their respective immediate families (parents, spouses, children, siblings) or individuals residing in their household (whether or not related) are not eligible entrants.
Participating Washington Chambers
Association of Washington Business (Olympia, WA)
Greater Vancouver Chamber of Commerce (Vancouver, WA)
Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce (Kittitas County, WA)
Walla Walla Valley Chamber of Commerce (Walla Walla, WA)
South Kitsap Chamber of Commerce (Port Orchard, WA)
Interested in hosting in your community? Connect here.
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 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?
Judging Criteria
Your essay will be evaluated based on how well you:
- Demonstrate an understanding of civics
- Acknowledge and address opposing points of view
- Use primary sources
- Clearly described an idea innovative or new to you
Live Event Information
The top 20 finalists will move to the in-person competition in April 2024 in Ellensburg, Washington.
Date: April 6, 2024
Time: 11:00 a.m - 1:00 p.m
Location: City of Ellensburg Public Library & Hal Holmes Community Center
Address: 201 Ruby Street Ellensburg, WA 98926
Emcee By: Jim Denison, BPE Law Group
2023 Prizes
Local Bee:
1st Place: $500
2nd Place: $250
3rd Place: $125
State Bee:
1st Place: $1,000
2nd Place: $500
3rd Place: $250
State finalists who advance to the National Competition will compete for prizes worth more than $50,000. Finalists will receive two complimentary airline tickets provided by Alaska Airlines to fly to Washington D.C for the National Competition happening this November 2024.
Sponsorship
Are you interested in showcasing your company's commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available corporate sponsorships, please contact Director of Chamber Outreach and Economic Advancement, Katie Estes.
Contact Us
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce Director of Chamber Outreach and Economic Advancement, Katie Estes or call the chamber office at 509-925-2002.
The evidence is clear: informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce. Our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three, and so does the long-term health of America's economy.
- Carolyn Cawley, President, U.S Chamber of Commerce Foundation
Photos from 2023-2024 Kittitas County Competition held on April 6, 2024.