National Civics Bee in Queen Creek returning in 2025

The Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce has opened the online application portal for the 2025 National Civics Bee competition, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

“We are very happy our chamber was chosen to host this event for the second year. It’s crucial that our students have a solid understanding of how our government works and be able to discuss ideas and concepts in meaningful ways,” Chris Clark, president and CEO of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce, stated in a press release.

Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Queen Creek is aimed at inspiring middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions, the release stated.

Students in sixth through eighth grade from public, private, charter and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition.

After a panel of judges reviews the essays, the top 20 students will be selected to advance to their local competition, an in-person, live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a question-and-answer round to test their civics knowledge. The essay portal will be open until February 4.

 The chamber will host its local competition in the spring of 2025. The first-place local finalist will receive prizes worth at least $500. Other top finalists will receive prizes as well.

Winners from each of the local competitions across Arizona will be invited to take part in the state finals. The first-place winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete for prizes and a $100,000, 529 plan during the national championship in the fall 2025.

“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America. The National Civics Bee provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future,” Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation, stated in the release.

For more information on entering the National Civics Bee in Arizona visit National Civics Bee - QC Student Chamber.