National Civics Bee
Share your ideas & flex your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee
WMC Foundation Presents
National Civics Bee
WMC Foundation is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and four chambers of commerce across Wisconsin to host a first-of-its-kind statewide civics competition. The 2023-24 National Civics Bee® encourages young Americans in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
The competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, gives students the chance to win recognition and earn cash prizes by sharing ideas for improving their communities and showing their enthusiasm for civics.
Students are invited to submit an essay to the Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce, the Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce, the Racine Area Manufacturers & Commerce, or the Wausau Chamber of Commerce by February 19, 2024. Regional bee participants, hosted by the above chambers, will be selected from the essay submissions. The winners of the regional bees will participate in the statewide civics bee in Madison on Flag Day on June 14, 2024.
The winner of the National Civics Bee® Wisconsin State Finals will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the inaugural National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2024.
NATIONAL CIVICS BEE
How it Works
Students submit an essay to the local chamber closest to their hometown by February 19:
Writers of the top essays are invited to their local chambers to participate in a regional civics bee:
- April 2 – Wausau Chamber of Commerce in Wausau
- April 13 – Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce in Eau Claire
- April 20 – Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce in Appleton
- April 27 — Racine Area Manufacturers and Commerce in Racine
Winners of the regional bees will compete in Madison on Flag Day, June 14.
Statewide champions are invited to Washington, DC, to compete in the inaugural National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2024.
CONTEST
Guidelines
Who Can Enter
Students in grades 6-8. This is an individual competition.
Essay Requirements
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 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?
Submit your essay to your local chamber before February 19:
Contest Judging
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 describe an idea innovative or new to you
Cash Prizes
LOCAL
- First place: $500.00
- Second place: $250.00
- Third place: $125.00
STATE
- First place: $1,000.00
- Second place: $500.00
- Third place: $250.00
NATIONAL
- State finalists who advance to the national competition will compete for prizes worth more than $50,000.00
Entry Deadline and Questions
Entries must be submitted to local chambers by 11:59PM on February 19, 2024.
EVENT
Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors:
Supported by:
Questions?
If you have questions regarding the National Civics Bee, please contact the Business World Program Senior Director, Michelle Grajkowski, via e-mail or by phone 608.258.3400.
RESOURCES
How to Bring MINI Business World to your Community
The MINI Business World program condenses the core curriculum of our summer program and brings it on-site to high schools across the state. Since its inception, our MINI Business World attendance has skyrocketed as counties from Marinette to Monroe have sponsored students of all studies to participate in the program’s activities.