CALLING ALL MICHIGAN MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS!
Share your ideas and flex your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee.
ABOUT THE BEE
The Michigan Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and nine local/regional chambers of commerce to again host a unique competition that encourages young Michiganders 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. The inaugural Natioanl Civics Bee in Michigan was held in the summer of 2024 with local finalists competing in the capital city of Lansing. The top finisher gets the chance to represent the Great Lakes State and compete nationally in Washington, D.C. in the fall.
Key 2024-2025 Dates
- July 17, 2024: Michigan’s inaugural National Civics Bee was held in Lansing, MI
- Nov. 12, 2024: National Championship Bee takes place in Washington, D.C.Â
- Fall 2024: Essay portal opens
- Winter 2025: Essay portal closes
- Spring 2025: Local chambers host National Civics Bee
- July 2025: MI state finals for National Civics Bee
- November 2025: National Championship Bee
In the News
- WILX – Michigan Chamber of Commerce holds National Statewide Civics Bee
- Announcement: National Civics Bee coming to Michigan
- National Civics Bee in Michigan is here. First round essay portion for Michigan middle schoolers opens today, runs through Feb.19
- Detroit Free Press feature: National Civics Bee in Michigan open for middle schoolers through Feb. 19
- There’s still time to enter National Civics Bee in Michigan! First round essays from middle schoolers due Feb. 19
- Jackson County Chamber of Commerce WILX feature
HOW TO ENTER
ADDITIONAL INFO
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th-grade student residing in Michigan may review the rules and submit an essay application via one of the nine local or regional participating chambers listed below. Don’t worry if there’s not a chamber in your community, pick the nearest one to you.Â
- Essay Guide
- Student Flyer
- Teacher Guide
- For questions contact Mikayla Ewalt, manager of events at the MI Chamber.Â
WHY CIVICS
The Michigan Chamber of Commerce Foundation is participating in the National Civics Bee because we believe that informed, active citizens make for strong communities across our state and country as well as a thriving economy and workforce – our continued and shared prosperity depends on all three. Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge in our Great Lakes State and celebrating our civic pride.Â
Ready to Test Your Civics Knowledge?
Take this brief quiz to see how well you stack up. And don’t worry, whether you ace them or need some refreshers, we are glad you’re interested in civics and civic engagement. We need more people like you. Ready? Let’s go!
2023 NATIONAL CIVICS BEE HIGHLIGHTS
THANK YOU TO OUR 2024 SPONSORS
Are you interested in showcasing your company’s commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available sponsorships, please contact Amanda Toy, MI Chamber VP of Membership and Partnership.