Middle School Students Can Submit Essays to Participating Local Chambers This Fall
The PA Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) affiliate of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry (PA Chamber) whose mission is to accelerate the research and education priorities of the statewide business community, today announced that Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis will serve as co-chair of the 2025 National Civics Bee® Pennsylvania State Finals.
“When we relaunched the PA Chamber Foundation in 2023, the Civics Bee was our first initiative – and it has been among the most rewarding projects we’ve embarked upon,” PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein said. “In just two years, the Civics Bee has grown significantly in every region of the commonwealth, sparking inspiring success stories, and encouraging students to get involved in their communities. We are grateful to Lt. Governor Davis for co-chairing the 2025 Civics Bee and cannot wait to partner with him to further elevate civic engagement across Pennsylvania.”
The National Civics Bee® is a nonpartisan competition led by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that encourages young Americans to engage in civics, contribute to their communities, and highlight their passion for civics education to their peers. In 2023, the PA Chamber coordinated with the U.S. Chamber Foundation and local chambers across Pennsylvania to host the first-ever National Civics Bee® Pennsylvania State Finals, where participating 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students flexed their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. That tradition was carried forward this year, with the first-place winner – Mariya Hoja from Erie, PA – winning $1,000 and the opportunity to represent Pennsylvania in the National Civics Bee® in Washington, D.C. on November 12, 2024.
“I got started on my path to public service by starting a youth advisory council with the mayor in my hometown of McKeesport,” said Davis. “I know that young people can ignite positive change in their communities, but they need the tools and knowledge to make it happen. The Pennsylvania Civics Bee gives young people those tools, and I’m honored to be a part of this exciting initiative.”
The portal for 2025 Civics Bee essay submission will open to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students no later than November 1, 2024. There is no cost to participate. Local civics bee finalists will advance to the Pennsylvania State Finals on Friday, June 13, 2025, at the HUB-Robeson Center on the campus of Penn State University in State College, PA.
Middle school and other educators who are interested in learning more about how to bring the National Civics Bee® to their students and classrooms are encouraged to attend a National Civics Bee® Webinar for Pennsylvania Educators at 3:15 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024. Complete this form to register for the webinar.
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The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry is the state’s largest broad-based business association, with its statewide membership comprising businesses of all sizes and across all industry sectors. The PA Chamber is The Statewide Voice of BusinessTM.