The Pennsylvania Chamber, in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and six chambers of commerce across Pennsylvania, is pleased to invite students across the Commonwealth to showcase and grow their understanding and appreciation for American democracy in a statewide civics competition.

Pennsylvania has been chosen as one of several states to participate in the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s 2023 National Civics Bee which encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. The competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, gives students the chance to win recognition, and earn cash prizes ranging from $250 to $1,000, by sharing ideas for improving their communities and showing their enthusiasm for civics.

“We are thrilled to host this opportunity for young Pennsylvanians to flex their civics knowledge and connect with the issues that shape our state, and we’re proud to be partnering with the U.S. Chamber Foundation and our local chamber friends to make it happen,” Pennsylvania Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein said. “An informed citizenry makes for a stronger Commonwealth. Pennsylvania’s business community is proud to play a part in providing young people with a platform to demonstrate their contributions to civic life.”

Along with the PA Chamber, six local chambers of commerce across Pennsylvania are engaged in the Civics Bee. Students in the 6th, 7th or 8th grades are invited to submit a 500-word essay any time between Friday, January 13 to midnight on February 24, 2023, to one of the six local chamber partners.

Each local chamber will empanel judges to review the essays and select 10 finalists who will go on to participate in one of six local chamber-run regional Civics Bees. The top three from each regional Civics bee will participate in the State Civics Bee competition in early June. Additional information on the State Civics Bee is forthcoming.

Further details on the essay phase of the competition can be found on the following participant websites:

 

Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership

Greater Wyoming Valley Chamber of Commerce

Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry

Harrisburg Regional Chamber & CREDC

Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County

Greater Reading Chamber Alliance