The Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County will host the local competition for the 2025 National Civics Bee at 10 a.m. on April 15 at the Eric J. Barron Innovation Hub in downtown State College.
Eleven middle school students from school districts across Centre County have been selected as finalists and will compete in a live, interactive event to showcase their civics knowledge. The event, held in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, encourages middle school students to engage in civics, understand American democracy and contribute to their communities.
A panel of judges will oversee the competition, including Ferguson Township Manager Centrice Martin, state Rep. Paul Takac, State College Borough Manager Tom Fountaine, College Township Industrial Development Authority Executive Director Keri Miller and Penn State College of Education Dean Kimberly Lawless.
Finalists will compete in two rounds of civics questions, followed by a Q&A segment that will test their knowledge of civic issues and responsibilities. The top five finalists will deliver a summary of their civics essay, which they submitted earlier this year to enter the competition. The first-place student at the local competition will receive a prize of $500, with second and third place receiving $250 and $125, respectively.
“The National Civics Bee® provides students with an opportunity to explore civic issues, take an active role in their communities, and be recognized for their knowledge,” Greg Scott, President and CEO of the CBICC, said in a press release. “We are proud to host the local competition for the third year and look forward to hearing from talented middle schoolers about their ideas for engaging communities across Centre County.”
Winners from the local Centre County competition will advance to the Pennsylvania state finals, which will also be held in State College. There, students will compete for a chance to participate in the national championship in Washington, D.C. in the fall of 2025, with prizes worth at least $50,000.
“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, said.
Community members are invited to attend the local National Civics Bee competition. The event is free to attend, but registration is encouraged at https://business.cbicc.org/eventcalendarcommunitymembercalendar.
