ABOUT THE BEE The National Civics Bee is an annual competition to promote young Americans’ engagement in and knowledge of civics, and contributing to their communities. The PA Chamber of Business and Industry partners with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and chambers of commerce across Pennsylvania to host this statewide civics competition. Participating 6th, 7th and 8th grade students are tested on their civics knowledge for a chance to win cash prizes. The National Civics Bee Pennsylvania State Finals winner is invited to compete in the National Civics Bee® championship in Washington, D.C. HOW TO GET INVOLVED IN 2025If you are an educator or nonprofit organization that works with middle school students and would like to engage your learners/program participants in the 2025 Civics Bee, you can fill out the interest form to receive more information here!Middle school students in grades 6 through 8 will be able to take part in the 2025 National Civics Bee by submitting an essay online to participating local chambers of commerce. The essays should be 500 words outlining an original idea, using civics, for how they would better their communities. The essays are then reviewed by a panel of judges, and 20 finalists are ultimately selected to participate in a live Civics Bee competition hosted by the participating local chambers of commerce. The top three finalists from each regional Civics Bee advance to the Pennsylvania State Finals. 2025 LOCAL COMPETITIONS Alle Kiski Strong Chamber Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County (CBICC) The Redstone Foundation/Fayette Chamber of Commerce Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Industry Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce Somerset County Chamber of Commerce Bedford County Chamber of Commerce Erie Regional Chamber & Growth Partnership Greater Latrobe-Laurel Valley Chamber of Commerce Harrisburg Regional Chamber Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry 2024 PENNSYLVANIA STATE FINAL Winners 1st Place (and the winner of $1,000 and a spot in the National Civics Bee in November): Mariya Hoja, Fairview Middle School 2nd Place (and the winner of $750): Saketh Pochiraju, Mountain View Middle School 3rd place (and the winner of $500): Gautam Mannem, Charles F. Patton Middle School 2024 sponsors Gold Sponsors Technology Sponsor Keystone Sponsor