2025 National Civics Bee

The CBIA Foundation for Economic Growth and Opportunity is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and regional chambers of commerce across Connecticut again this year to host a civics competition. 

The Bridgeport Regional Business Council and Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce will host local competitions in the spring of 2025.

The foundation will host the National Civics Bee Connecticut State Finals in conjunction with local partners following the local competitions.

Other partners include the Connecticut Department of Education, Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents, and the Connecticut Education Association.

About the Competition

The foundation believes informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce. 

The 2024-2025 National Civics Bee encourages young Americans in sixth, seventh, and eighth grades 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. 

The winner of the Connecticut state finals will receive a trip to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee national championship in the fall of 2025.  

How It Works

The National Civics Bee competition takes place in multiple phases. 

• Essay Round: Middle school students can enter the local Civics Bee by submitting a 750-word max essay addressing a community issue, proposing a solution, and incorporating founding principles and civic virtues.
• Local Civics Bee: Judges will review each essay and select ten finalists to compete in a live local Civics Bee. The in-person local competitions will feature two quiz rounds of civics questions followed by an essay question-and-answer with judges.
• Connecticut State Finals: The top three winners from each local competition will compete in an in-person Civics Bee. Similar to the local round, students will participate in two quiz rounds, followed by an essay presentation. 
• National Championship: The winner of the state competition will represent Connecticut at the 2025 National Civics Bee in November 2024 in Washington, D.C.

Who Is Eligible?

Connecticut students registered in sixth, seventh, or eighth grade at any public, private, or home school institution at the time of entry are eligible to participate in the competition. 

How to Enter 

Students should review the contest rules and essay guide and apply online through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s web portal.

Students can also apply directly with their closest participating chamber of commerce. 

• Bridgeport Regional Business Council
• Waterbury Regional Chamber of Commerce 

Applications are due Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025 at 11:59 pm EST. 

Additional Resources

• Essay Guide
• National Civics Bee 2024 Connecticut State Finals 
• National Civics Bee Highlights Video
•  2025 National Civics Bee Contest Rules–Essay Round

Prizes

Finalists who participate in each round of the competition will be eligible for recognition and cash prizes. 

Local Civics Bee: Each local finalist will receive a participation certificate. There will be one third place winner receiving a trophy and $125, one second place winner receiving a trophy and $250, and one first place winner receiving a trophy and $500.

Connecticut State Finals: Each state finalist will receive a participation certificate. There will be one third place winner receiving a trophy and $250, one second place winner receiving a trophy and $500, and one first place winner receiving a trophy and $1,000.

National Championship: Each national finalist will receive a participation certificate. There will be one third place winner receiving a trophy and $15,000, one second place winner receiving a trophy and $25,000, and one first place winner receiving a trophy and $15,000.

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Companies interested in getting involved should contact Stacey Vendetta.