Boise Metro Chamber Launches National Civics Bee®

Boise Metro Chamber Launches National Civics Bee®
Deadline to submit essays is February 4, 2025

BOISE, Idaho –  The Boise Metro Chamber proudly announces the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging 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 Idaho 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 6, 7, and 8 grade 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 Boise Metro 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.

“The Boise Metro Chamber is excited to help coordinate and play a part in this year’s National Civic Bee,” said Bobbi-Jo Meuleman, President and CEO of the Boise Metro Chamber. “This opportunity will give students the chance to represent their communities and potentially the state of Idaho on a national level about issues important to them.”  

Participants in the National Civics Bee® will have the chance to gain recognition for their civics knowledge and skills and compete for prestigious prizes throughout the competition. The competition enables students to explore issues that matter to their communities, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship. Winners from each of the local competitions across Idaho 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.

“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,” said Hilary Crow, Vice President of Civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.

For more information on entering the National Civics Bee® in Idaho visit: BoiseChamber.org or nationalcivicsbee.org.

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​About the Boise Metro Chamber: Established in 1883, the Boise Metro Chamber is the only five-star accredited Chamber of Commerce in Idaho and strives to be the leading business advocacy organization in the Boise Valley. The Boise Metro Chamber is a private, nonprofit, membership-driven organization comprised of approximately 2,000 business enterprises, civic organizations, educational institutions, and individuals. Its mission is to provide leadership that will help create regional economic prosperity and success for its members. For more information about the Boise Metro Chamber of Commerce visit: boisechamber.org
 
About National Civics Bee®
 
The National Civics Bee®, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s The Civic Trust®, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee® helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state and local chambers across the country. The National Civics Bee® is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.