We are currently looking for partners and sponsors for the live event to be held in early April that will bring together the top 20 essay winners, local families, and community members to celebrate these students’ commitment to their community and education. If you are interested in becoming a partner please contact ali@arvadachamber.org to solidify the details.

Eligibility for Entry:

To be eligible to participate in the National Civics Bee, an applicant (“Entrant”) must:

1. Be a student in grades six through eight at the time of entry;
2. Enter only one local chamber competition, which must be in their state of residence;
3. Be the sole author of their entry – no group entries or entries written by parents will be accepted;
4. Submit their entry in the English language;
5. Submit a new, unique entry, if they’ve participated in any past Civics Bees;
6. Agree to all Civics Bee Rules, including potentially attending the local, state, and national competitions.

Read full rules here.

Local Prizes

• First Place: $500 cash prize
• Second Place: $250 cash prize
• Third Place: $125 cash prize

State Prizes

• First Place: $1,000 cash prize
• Second Place: $500 cash prize
• Third Place: $250 cash prize

Each finalist receives a certificate. 

Identify a problem facing your community. How might a citizen solve the problem? Write a 500-word essay 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•    Use primary sources, like newspapers, data, historical documents, images, or other documents that relate to your idea.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.