Calling all middle school students!
Share your ideas and showcase your civics knowledge in the National Civics Bee®.
About the Bee
The Overland Park Chamber is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to host the second National Civics Bee® competition in Johnson County!
The National Civics Bee® is a nonpartisan civics competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Participating 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will showcase their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes.
- In the first round of the contest, local middle school students will participate in an essay competition.
- Judges will then select 20 finalists to participate in the local competition for a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. The local competition will be held on Friday, March 7.
- The top 3 students from the local competition will advance to the state competition.
- The finalist from the state competition will be invited to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2025
Why Civics?
“Civics is such an important topic, but we believe it is one that doesn’t get enough attention. We’re excited to be part of this effort to increase understanding in how our government functions, counter the polarization that is occurring in our political environment and enhance participation in our democratic process,” said Kevin Walker, Executive Vice President & Chief Policy Officer for the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce.
“The Bee is foundational to our mission and provides long-lasting impact with future leaders we hope to see in our businesses, civic and governmental organizations,” said Chamber President Tracey Osborne Oltjen. “Interacting with a chamber of commerce and critically thinking about our democracy at this young age will hopefully inspire them to engage in their communities throughout their lives.”
How to Enter
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Kansas with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their essay to participate in one local competition in their state. All essays must be submitted by Tuesday, February 4, 2025 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Visit www.nationalcivicsbee.org for the latest news on the application portal, entry deadlines, and resources.
Students should review the Contest Rules and Essay Guide below and then apply using the following link:
Sponsorship Opportunities
Are you interested in showcasing your company's commitment to developing active and engaged citizens? For information about available corporate sponsorships, please contact Kevin Walker at (913) 766-7602 or at kwalker@opchamber.org.
Presenting Sponsor:
Still available!
Venue Sponsor:
Signage Sponsor:
Recap of the 2024 Bee
The top three winners of the first round held in Overland Park, along with three winners from each of the other Kansas communities hosting a National Civics Bee® competition, participated in state finals at the Kansas Leadership Center in Wichita in May 2024.
At the state competition, three Overland Park middle school students took first, second, and third place:
1st Place
Rishaan P.
6th grader at Blue Valley Schools
He will proceed to the National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2024.
2nd Place
Pranjal A.
8th grader at Blue Valley Schools
3rd Place
Caleb B.
7th grader at Blue Valley Schools
Left to right: Caleb Bonnema, Rishaan Panchal and Pranjal Adhikari
“We wish the best of luck to Rishaan as he goes on to Washington, D.C., to represent Kansas in the national competition,” said Kevin Walker, Executive Vice President & Chief Policy Officer for the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce. “We want to thank everyone who participated in the first year of this competition, and we are looking forward to hosting it again next year!”
If you have questions or need additional information, please contact Courtney Cavlovic, Workforce Program Coordinator at ccavlovic@opchamber.org or (913) 766-7611.