Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry is partnering with the Pennsylvania Chamber to host a regional Civics Bee on April 15, 2023, as part of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s National Civics Bee. 

The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

In the first round of the contest, local 6th, 7th and 8th grade students will participate in an essay competition. Students will be asked to identify a problem, challenge, or opportunity in their local communities and explain what they can do to contribute to its improvement based on founding principles and civic virtues. Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry’s local competition at the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). 

“The chamber is excited to work with our community partners to engage the next generation of leaders in this country through a fun and interactive competition. Over the last few years, we have seen a growing frustration with our political leaders on the lack of civility and increase in dysfunction. The chamber is committed to working with our younger generations to be more collaborative, inclusive, professional, and civic. Chester County is home to highly esteemed academic institutions, and the chamber is proud to partner with these students as they further their academic development,” said Laura Manion, President of Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry. 

This Civics Bee will feature special guest judges including, PA State Representative John Lawrence, Michael Hartman, Chief of Staff for Senator Carolyn Comitta, and Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline and Josh Maxwell, with more “celebrity” judges being added daily. 

After the regional Civics Bee at CCIU, the top three students from each local competition will then advance to the state competition on June 5, 2023. First place winner will receive $1,000 cash prize in both the local and state competitions. 

The submission window is Jan. 13 – Feb. 24, 2023, and deadline for essay submissions is Feb. 24, 2023. Click here to view the online submission form.