News release Oct. 30
The Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce has announced the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee, an initiative that encourages 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 Colorado Springs will inspire 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.
Middle school students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades from public, private, charter and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. After a distinguished panel of judges review 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 Q&A round to test their civics knowledge. The Eastern Plains Chamber will host its local competition in the spring of 2025. The local finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including prizes worth at least $500 for the first-place student.
Winners from each of the local competitions across Colorado 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 worth at least $50,000 during the national championship in the fall of 2025.
“We are thrilled to once again support the 2025 National Civics Bee® here in Colorado Springs, an event that empowers our middle school students to deepen their understanding of American democracy and civic responsibility,” said Michael Lordino, president of the EPCC. “Through this competition, we’re fostering a generation of young leaders who are informed, engaged and motivated to make meaningful contributions to their communities. We look forward to seeing these talented students challenge themselves, explore critical civic issues, and gain the knowledge and skills that will prepare them to be active, responsible citizens. This initiative is a testament to the Eastern Plains Chamber of Commerce’s commitment to nurturing civic engagement and community trust.”
Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation, said, “Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America.”
For more information on entering the National Civics Bee® in Colorado, visit https://www.easternplainschamber.com/national-civics-bee. There is an essay guide for students at https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/student-essay-guide/
