Engaging the Next Generation of Civic Leaders
Through the National Civics Bee, led by the U.S. Chamber Foundation and the Kentucky Chamber Foundation
The National Civics Bee competition, hosted by the Kentucky Chamber Foundation, empowers students from across the Commonwealth to become active and engaged citizens and future leaders in their communities.
Participating students write a 500-word essay to enter their local competitions, and the winners from each local competition move on to the Kentucky State Finals. During the competition, students engage in a live quiz with multiple rounds focused on government, elections, and civics, helping them develop durable skills like critical thinking, public speaking, and problem-solving that are essential for their future careers.
As the Civics Bee involves answering questions in front of an audience, students are working to develop effective communication skills, which are highly valued skills for their future and the workforce. Furthermore, this competition offers an avenue for students to effectively communicate issues they are passionate about with state leaders, which helps empower students to continue pursuing leadership roles.
Kentucky State Finals winner Lucas Campbell, who lives on a farm with his parents, used his experience to write about Kentucky Proud Products, advocating for local healthy food access. In an interview with the U.S. Chamber Foundation, he said, “I actually wrote a couple of different essays. Kentucky Proud Products are close to me. I live on a farm and raise sheep and show sheep, so it seemed like something close to me that really mattered.” His story highlights how personal experiences can drive community-focused solutions, illustrating the tangible impact of the Civics Bee on students’ lives and their communities.
By engaging middle school students in learning about the fundamentals of government, politics, and civic life, the National Civics Bee helps build a spirit of civic responsibility through topics such as voting, political processes, and citizen responsibilities. This knowledge helps students become informed and engaged citizens, which can benefit their communities and society as a whole.
Participation in the National Civics Bee demands dedication, a vital skill that will benefit students throughout their education and future careers. By choosing and addressing community issues, students develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, preparing them for complex challenges in any professional field. When writing their essays, they must choose an issue in their community and provide a solution to that issue. Preparing for the competition, students show their dedication by taking practice tests and studying areas of civics for the live quiz portion of the competition. This competition also requires students to analyze issues and solutions for their essays. This helps students develop critical thinking skills that are valuable in many careers and life situations. They also take time to practice their speeches and prepare for questions from judges.
In preparation for the bee, Campbell utilized a study guide developed by the U.S. Chamber Foundation, saying it was the most helpful tool to help him prepare: “For the questions, I had already thought it out since it had been on my mind for a while.” Lucas also received support from his family and teachers in order to prepare for the bee. His teachers helped him edit his essay for grammar errors, while making sure he came up with his topic ideas on his own. He normally works on his parents’ farm in the afternoon, but his parents gave him some afternoons off to prepare for the bee, which he said was a big help. Read more from the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
The Foundation has seen further engagement from student participants following the competition. A participant in 2023, Jiwoo, wrote about the lack of diversity in her community and how it can sometimes lead to a misunderstanding of culture. Following the National Civics Bee, Jiwoo started a diversity club at her school. Her club has been very successful in her community, and they established a diversity week in her school to highlight various cultures and the benefits of a diverse community. It is stories like this that encourage the Foundation to push forward with the National Civics Bee. The Foundation sees these students as the leaders of the future and by engaging them at a young age, the Foundation can encourage them to engage in their communities and establish an appreciation of civics that will carry through to adulthood.
Through this initiative, the Foundation aims to inspire Kentucky's next generation to view themselves as proactive problem solvers and collaborative community members, equipped with the durable skills necessary for addressing future workforce challenges and enhancing community well-being.