About the Bee

The Greater Crofton Chamber of Commerce Civics Bee is one of many pilot National Civics Bee competitions promoted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Middle-school students from throughout Anne Arundel County will participate in a first-round essay competition. Judges will select twenty essays to go to the final round: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge. Winners will be recognized in their communities and receive prizes!

Prizes:

Each finalist will receive a certificate. In addition:

• The First Place Winner will receive a $1000 cash prize.
• The Second Place Winner will receive a $750 cash prize.
• The Third Place Winner will receive a $500 cash prize.

How to Enter:

If you are a middle school student (6th, 7th & 8th grade) with an idea about using civics to solve a problem in your community submit a 500 word essay for consideration and complete the submission form.  See link below to submit your completed essay.

Essay Topic/Requirements:

Students should include at least one Founding Principal and one Civic Virtue in their essay.

Write a 500-word essay, two pages, double-spaced, that may include the following:

• What way can you contribute to your community? 
• How might others view this problem or opportunity differently?
• What are the ways you can approach this issue?
• What is your idea or recommendation?
• What sources provide supporting evidence or examples for your idea or recommendation?
• How might members of your community or neighborhood bring your idea or recommendation to life?
• Who might oppose your idea? How might you respond?

Judging Criteria

Your essay will be evaluated based on how well you:

• Demonstrate an understanding of civics.
• Acknowledge and address opposing points of view.
• Acknowledge and address at least one Founding Principle and one Civic Virtue.
• Use primary sources, like newspapers, data, historical documents, images, or other documents that relate to your idea.
• Clearly describe an idea innovative or new to you.

Link to Enter: https://my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site/MD/CroftonChamber

Essay submissions open on Monday, November 13 and close Monday, February 19, 2024 at 11:59 pm. 

Why Civics?

We believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. The National Civics Bee is a way to promote greater civics knowledge and civic participation across the country, and to energize our community with a celebration of civic pride.

Please email [email protected] any questions.