Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry (CCCBI) is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Chester County Intermediate Unit, and Freedoms Foundation of Valley Forge to host a regional Civics Bee on Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, 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 CCCBI’s local competition at the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge. The three finalists will receive cash prizes of $1000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd place, and $250 for 3rd place and a certificate and Proclamation from the Chester County Commissioners.

“The National Civics Bee is a unique opportunity to come together with our community partners and engage the next generation of leaders in this country through a fun and interactive competition. CCCBI is committed to working with our younger generations to be more collaborative, inclusive, professional, and civic. In our inaugural Bee, two of our three regional finalists placed in the top three at the PA State competition. It is evident that Chester County is home to highly esteemed academic institutions, and the Chamber is proud to once again partner with these students as they further their academic development.” said Laura Manion, CCCBI President & CEO.

This Civics Bee will feature special guest judges from across Chester County for both the essay grading and the competition.

After the regional Civics Bee, the top three students from each local competition will then advance to the state competition to be held in the spring of 2024. The three state-level finalists will also receive cash prizes of equal value to CCCBI’s regional competition prizes.

To learn more about the Chester County regional competition, including essay prompt, and submission dates, please click here.

Learn more at Chester County Chamber of Business and Industry.