Indiana Civics Bees, for the win!

Indiana Civics Bees, for the win!

Claire Farrington, Women4Change Indiana Intern

Youth Engage!

Young Hoosiers Bee-ing Civic,

This year, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, to host Indiana’s first-ever state-wide civics competition for students in Grades 6-8. Modeled on traditional spelling bee competitions, this Civics Bee aims to promote civic knowledge and encourage enthusiasm for civic learning among young students. It is a great opportunity to see Indiana’s new civic standards for 6th graders, which were introduced this school year, put to the test. 

The National Civics Bee competition consists of four stages: the local Essay Round, the Local Civics Bee Competition, the State Civics Bee Competition, and the National Championship. 

This year, in the local essay round, participating students wrote essays that identified a problem, challenge, or opportunity in their local community. They were then asked to explore how they could contribute to its improvement based on founding principles and civic virtues.

Local Chambers of Commerce across the state have already determined their top 20 essay finalists who are now participating in local bees held throughout the state. These local bees are held at various times before April 30. Below is a list of the local chambers and their Civics Bee Competitions. 

From each of these events, the top three finishers will go on to compete in the State Civics Bee Competition held at the Statehouse on August 22-23. The winner from the State Civics Bee will then attend the National Championship held in Washington D.C. on Nov 12, 2024. They will be competing for prizes worth more than $50,000.

Good luck young Hoosiers! We are proud of your efforts to be civically educated and engaged. 



W4C