The Michigan Chamber Foundation is thrilled to participate in the 2024-2025 National Civics Bee, not only as the state host but also as a local partner with a concentration on northern Michigan. For the first time northern Michigan will have its own local competition in Gaylord Michigan, encouraging middle school students to increase civic knowledge and the chance to win cash prizes!
Rewards for Both Students and Teachers!
This year’s National Civics Bee not only celebrates student success but also on the efforts of teachers promoting civic education!
Thanks to Amazon’s generosity, classroom grants are being awarded to northern Michigan teachers with the top number of essay submissions. These classroom grants are an excellent way to support educators as they inspire the next generation.
This program benefits both students and teachers: students develop valuable skills like critical thinking and essay writing, while teachers receive resources to help educate and shape upcoming civic leaders.
If you are an educator, don’t miss out – encourage your students to participate today!
Why Northern Michigan?
With a goal to inspire civic engagement across middle schoolers all over the state, the Michigan Chamber Foundation is taking a key role in promoting and raising awareness in northern Michigan. The National Civics Bee not only helps students become community leaders, but encourages critical thinking, problem solving, public speaking, and creates an understanding of our country’s systems and processes that shape our government and welfare.
How to Participate
This non-partisan civic competition is open to all 6th-8th graders throughout the state of Michigan. Students enter the competition by submitting a 750-word essay about a problem facing their community and how certain processes of government can be used to solve the issue.
The top 20 essay finalists from northern Michigan will then be selected to move on to the local competition in Gaylord, Michigan April 26 to compete for three spots in the state finals and up to $500 in cash prizes.
Find Ways to Get Involved
If you are interested in learning more about the mission and impact of the National Civics Bee, here are some ways to contribute:
- Promote the National Civics Bee in your community – Use the student flyer and essay guide to share information about the competition and spread the word!
- Partner with us – Help us increase our reach throughout the state and further support our competitions.
Key Dates
- Feb. 4 : Essay portal closes
- April 26: Local competition in Gaylord, Michigan
- July 9: National Civics Bee Michigan State Finals at Michigan’s State Capitol
- November 2025: National Championship in Washington, D.C.
For more information visit michamber.com/micivicsbee or email micivicsbee@michamber.com