The National Civics Bee is aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

The Michigan Chamber Foundation, along with local chambers, will host community bees statewide in 2025. All Michigan students in sixth, seventh and eighth graders from any public, private, charter or home schools are encouraged to participate.

In the first phase, students are required to submit essays by Feb. 4. After a panel of judges review the 750-word essays, the top 20 students from each competition will move on to the next round, a live quiz event in the spring.

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 a statewide competition slated for July.

From there, the first-place winner receives a $1,000 cash prize and advances to the National Championship Bee in Washington, D.C., in the fall.

In the inaugural statewide bee in 2024, hundreds of students submitted essays, with 15 finalists selected to showcase their understanding of how civic engagement can transform communities. Dozens of Michigan legislators, business leaders and educators were present to cheer on these young civic leaders. Plymouth-Canton Community Schools student Evan Zhen went on to represent Michigan at the national competition.

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 the country’s democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community and to build greater trust in others and institutions.

“Informed, active citizens are the heart of thriving communities and economies,” Michigan Chamber President and CEO Jim Holcomb said. “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 Upper Peninsula 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, R-Waucedah Township. “I know our Upper Peninsula students have what it takes and encourage them to check out this important opportunity.”

“This initiative is an important catalyst for bettering our communities and driving shared economic prosperity as it arms future leaders with facts and teaches a commitment to collaboration and problem solving,” said Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP. “That’s why InvestUP is eager to help spread the word and be involved.”

The National Civics Bee essay portal is now open. Upper Peninsula students shouldn’t worry if there isn’t a chamber listed in their specific community — simply select “Northern Michigan National Civics Bee.”

Go to 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.