CBICC Hosting National Civics Bee Competition in Centre County; Feb. 24 Deadline to Submit Student Essays

The Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County is hosting the local event for the 2023 National Civics Bee, according to a news release .

The National Civics Bee is an initiative to encourage middle-school students to showcase and grow their understanding and appreciation of the rights and duties of American citizenship. CBICC is hosting the bee in Centre County in partnership with the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

“Civics education can uplift and empower our young people by giving them the knowledge and confidence to fully participate as future leaders in their communities,” Greg Scott, CBICC president and CEO, said in a statement. “This competition is an exciting and fun way for students to express their thoughts and share their ideas about how our government works and our rights and responsibilities as citizens.”

Middle-school students from public, private, charter and home schools are invited to take part in a 500-word essay competition. The deadline for submissions is Feb. 24.

Judges will select 20 essay winners, who will test their civics knowledge by competing in a live quiz event to be held on April 17. The finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $1,000 for the first-place winner. The top three finalists from the local competition will advance to the state competition.  

The Chamber is also recruiting judges for the essay competition and the live quiz event.

Anyone interested in serving as a judge is encouraged to contact Felicia Hetzman at (814) 424-2170.

For more information on the essay topic, competition rules and prizes and to submit an essay visit the Chamber of Business and Industry of Centre County website.