Students Invited to Enter Civics Bee Competition Hosted by PA Chamber, U.S. Chamber Foundation, and Local Chambers

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, Jan. 13, to midnight on Feb. 24, 2023, to one of the six local chamber partners.

A panel of judges will review the essays and select 10 finalists who will go on to participate in a live 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