Katy Area Chamber of Commerce Calls on Local Middle School Students to Participate in National Civics Bee®
The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce is encouraging local middle school students to showcase their civics knowledge and contribute to their communities by participating in the 2025 National Civics Bee®. The competition, which is in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, invites 6th, 7th, and 8th graders to submit essays that propose ideas for improving their communities using civic engagement.
The National Civics Bee® is a nonpartisan civics competition designed to foster a deeper understanding of civic responsibilities and encourage young Americans to get involved in their communities. Students who participate will not only enhance their writing and public speaking skills but will also have the chance to win recognition, cash prizes, and a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the national championship.
“By participating in the National Civics Bee®, students will not only strengthen their civics knowledge but also become more engaged with their communities and the issues that matter most,” said Stacy Jacobs, Vice President of Business Development for the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce. “This competition is an excellent opportunity for students to learn how they can make a real difference while developing essential skills for their future.”
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How to Enter
Middle school students from across Texas who are interested in participating can submit their essays for consideration. To enter the contest, students must write a 750-word essay proposing their ideas for improving their community through civic action. The essays must be submitted by Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
“We encourage all local students to take part in this exciting opportunity,” Jacobs added. “This is a chance for young people to use their voices to help shape the future of their communities and gain valuable experience that will serve them well in school and beyond.”
The top finalists from local and state rounds will advance to the national championship in Washington, D.C., in Fall 2025. Cash prizes will be awarded at various stages of the competition, with local winners receiving prizes of up to $500. State finals offer larger cash prizes, including $1,000 for first place, and national championship prizes include a $100,000 529 plan for the first-place winner. Learn more about how to enter here.
Encouraging Civic Engagement in Katy
The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce is participating in the National Civics Bee® to promote greater civic knowledge and pride in Texas, believing that informed and active citizens play a vital role in the nation’s strength, economy, and workforce. The Chamber’s support for the Civics Bee is a way to engage young people in their communities and prepare them to be the next generation of leaders.
In addition to the local competition, the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce will host a live event for the National Civics Bee® in Spring 2025, bringing students, families, and community leaders together to celebrate civic engagement and achievement.
Prizes and Recognition
The National Civics Bee® offers several levels of prizes:
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Local Bee Prizes: 1st Place – $500 | 2nd Place – $250 | 3rd Place – $125
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State Finals Prizes: 1st Place – $1,000 | 2nd Place – $500 | 3rd Place – $250
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National Championship Prizes: 1st Place – $100,000 529 Plan | 2nd Place – $25,000 | 3rd Place – $15,000
For more information on how to apply and the rules of the competition, students and parents can visit the official website at www.nationalcivicsbee.org.
Sponsorship Opportunities
The Katy Area Chamber of Commerce also invites local businesses to show their commitment to fostering civic engagement by supporting the event through corporate sponsorships. For more details, please contact Stacy Jacobs at stacy@katychamber.com.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for businesses to get involved in shaping the future of our community by supporting our young leaders,” Jacobs said. “We look forward to partnering with local businesses to make this event a success and help make a lasting impact on these students’ lives.”
The National Civics Bee® is an important initiative that empowers young people to learn more about their civic duties, and the Katy Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to support the competition and encourage participation from local students.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
