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National Civics Bee

Share your ideas & flex your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee

WMC Foundation Presents

National Civics Bee

WMC Foundation is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and area chambers of commerce across Wisconsin to host a statewide civics competition. The 2024-25 National Civics Bee® encourages young Americans in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

The competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, gives students the chance to win recognition and earn cash prizes by sharing ideas for improving their communities and showing their enthusiasm for civics.

Students across the state were invited to submit an essay to qualify for the event, which were due February 4. Regional bee participants, hosted by area chambers, were selected from the essay submissions. The winners of the regional bees will participate in the statewide civics bee in Madison on Friday, June 13.

The winner of the National Civics Bee® Wisconsin State Finals will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the inaugural National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2025.

Register to attend the state finals
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NATIONAL CIVICS BEE

How it Works

Students submit an essay to the local chamber closest to their hometown: 

  • Racine Area Manufacturers Association
  • The Waukesha County Business Alliance
  • The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce
  • The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
  • The Greater Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce

Writers of the top essays are invited to their local chambers to participate in a regional civics bee: 

  • Racine Area Manufacturers Association – Saturday, April 5
  • The Waukesha County Business Alliance
  • The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce – Thursday, April 24
  • The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce – Saturday, April 12
  • The Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce – Tuesday, March 18

Winners of the regional bees will compete in Madison on Flag Day – Saturday, June 14.

Click here to register.

Statewide champions are invited to Washington, DC, to compete in the National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2025.

CONTEST

Guidelines

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Who Can Enter

Students in grades 6-8. This is an individual competition.

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Essay Requirements

Identify a problem facing your community. How might a citizen solve the problem? Write a 500-word essay that includes the following:

  • What is the problem, and how do different members in your community or neighborhood view it?
  • What civic principles or systems could help to address the problem?
  • What primary sources, such as the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution, provide supporting evidence or examples for your idea or recommendation?
  • How might members of your community or neighborhood bring your idea or recommendation to life?

Submit your essay to your local chamber by Tuesday, February 4:

  • Racine Area Manufacturers Association
  • The Waukesha County Business Alliance
  • The Fox Cities Chamber of Commerce
  • The Eau Claire Area Chamber of Commerce
  • The Greater Wausau Area Chamber of Commerce
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Contest Judging

Your essay will be evaluated based on how well you:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of civics
  • Acknowledge and address opposing points of view
  • Use primary sources
  • Clearly describe an idea innovative or new to you
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Cash Prizes

LOCAL

  • First place: $500.00
  • Second place: $250.00
  • Third place: $125.00

STATE

  • First place: $1,000.00
  • Second place: $500.00
  • Third place: $250.00

NATIONAL

  • State finalists who advance to the national competition will compete for prizes worth more than $50,000.00
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Entry Deadline and Questions

Essays are due to local chambers by Tuesday, February 4.

EVENT

Sponsors

Michelle Grajkowski

Questions?

If you have questions regarding the National Civics Bee, please contact the Business World Program Senior Director, Michelle Grajkowski, via e-mail or by phone 608.258.3400.

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RESOURCES

How to Bring MINI Business World to your Community

The MINI Business World program condenses the core curriculum of our summer program and brings it on-site to high schools across the state. Since its inception, our MINI Business World attendance has skyrocketed as counties from Marinette to Monroe have sponsored students of all studies to participate in the program’s activities.

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