BRIDGEPORT – Middle-schoolers in greater Bridgeport will get a chance to show off their civics knowledge as part of the 2025 National Civics Bee sponsored by The Bridgeport Regional Business Council.
The bee is hosted through The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. It is an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics, be better informed about American history, and contribute to their communities.
Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. After a distinguished panel of judges review the essays, the top 20 students will be selected to advance to their local competition: an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge.
Bridgeport Regional Business Council will host its local competition in the spring of 2025. The local finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including prizes worth at least $500 for the first-place student.
Winners from each of the local competitions across Connecticut will be invited to take part in the state finals. The first-place winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete for prizes worth at least $50,000 during the national championship in the fall of 2025.
The top prize for the national championship is a $100,000 529 college savings plan.
The deadline for submitting essays is Feb. 4, 2025. The application process opens this fall. Essays can be up 750 words. Check nationalcivicsbee.org for more information.
“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America. 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,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
