The National Civics Bee will be back and expanding in Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula for 2025, the Michigan Chamber Foundation proudly announced today. The Bee is an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
“Informed, active citizens are the heart of thriving communities and economies,” said Jim Holcomb, MI Chamber President & CEO. “This initiative is one essential way to spark civic interest and knowledge and help combat the political division or apathy that’s too prevalent these days. We look forward to more middle schoolers from across our northern Michigan and UP communities getting involved!”
“Understanding our constitutional democracy and civics is a crucial way we can make a difference, share our ideas, solve problems, and contribute to our communities,” said State Sen. Ed McBroom. “I know our Upper Peninsula students have what it takes and encourage them to check out this important opportunity.”
How it works
Middle school students – those in grades 6 to 8 – from public, private, charter, and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition – now open through Feb. 4, 2025.
Students should not worry if there isn’t a chamber in their specific community; just pick the nearest one to them. In this case, simply select “Northern Michigan National Civics Bee.”
After a distinguished panel of judges review the 750-word essays, the top 20 students from each competition will be selected to move on to the next round: a live quiz event that will take place in the spring of 2025 to test their civics knowledge.
The finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $500 cash for the first- place student. The top three finishers from each local/regional competition – or 27 total students – will move on to the2nd annual National Civics Bee statewide Michigan competition slated for July of 2025.
From there, the first-place winner of the state competition receives a $1,000 cash prize and advances to the National Championship Bee in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2025.
The case for civics
Civic knowledge is far too low in Michigan and across the country.
• More than 70% of us fail a basic literacy quiz on topics like the three branches of government, the number of U.S. Supreme Court justices or landmark cases, or other basic functions of our democracy.
• 9 in 10 Americans do believe that a civics education is important to the success of our country.
2024 Michigan highlights
—Hundreds of students from across the state submitted essays, showcasing their understanding of how civic engagement can transform communities.
—15 student finalists from 13 middle schools – from our state’s east side of Macomb County to the west side in Ottawa County –competed in the inaugural statewide bee. Check out this video recap here.
—Students demonstrated impressive knowledge of civic responsibility, the U.S. Constitution and local government.
—Finalists presented innovative ideas on how to tackle key civic challenges in their communities.
—Dozens of Michigan legislators, business leaders and educators were present to cheer on these young civic leaders.
Key 2024-25 dates
—Oct. 15, 2024: Essay portal opened
—Feb. 4, 2025: Essay portal closes
—Spring 2025: Local competitions take place
—July 2025: Michigan’s statewide competition takes place
—Nov. 2025: National Championship Bee takes place in Washington, D.C.
Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee is designed to inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about our country’s democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.
Visit michamber.com/northernmibee for more information, specific essay guides, competition rules and prizes, and the opportunity to submit essays. Or email micivicsbee@michamber.com with any questions.
