LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (Oct. 30, 2024) – The Arkansas State Chamber of Commerce / Associated Industries of Arkansas (State Chamber/AIA) has launched the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Arkansas will inspire middle school students to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions. 

Participants in the National Civics Bee® will have the chance to gain recognition for their civics knowledge and skills, and compete for awards, including prizes worth at least $1,000 for the state champion and $50,000 for the national winner. The competition enables students to explore issues that matter to their communities, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship.

The State Chamber/AIA will host the National Civics Bee® Arkansas State Finals on May 14, 2025. Finalists from local competitions across Arkansas will be invited to take part in the state-level competition. Students will participate in a live quiz event and answer questions from judges to test their civic knowledge. The winner will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national championship in the fall of 2025.

Participating local partners in the National Civics Bee® include the El Dorado-Union County Chamber of Commerce, Magnolia-Columbia County Chamber of Commerce, Rogers Lowell Chamber, Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, and Sevier County Chamber of Commerce. Middle school students from any region in Arkansas can submit an essay to compete in one of the local competitions hosted by these chambers. Each student may submit an essay to only one local competition, but they do not have to live or attend school in the region where they choose to compete.

The essay submission period is now open. Middle school students from public, private, charter, and homeschools with ideas about improving their communities may submit an essay for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes. Students can find essay prompts, tips for structuring their essays, and insights into key essay concepts in the essay guide HERE.

"We are excited to host the National Civics Bee® in Arkansas for a second year, continuing our commitment to fostering civic knowledge and responsibility among young people,” Randy Zook, president and CEO of the State Chamber/AIA, said. “This competition challenges students to learn the value of civic engagement and leadership, which aligns closely with the mission of the State Chamber/AIA. We are proud to partner with local chambers, The Civic Trust, and our sponsors, Walmart, AT&T, Civic Arkansas, Arkansas Democrat Gazette, and Economics Arkansas, to once again provide this opportunity to the students in our state."

“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,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.

For more information about the National Civics Bee® in Arkansas, visit: arkansasstatechamber.com/national-civics-bee