QUEEN CREEK, AZ – The Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce announces the launch of the 2024 National Civics Bee, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition will inspire middle school age youth in the East Valley to become better informed about local, state, and federal governments.

“We are very happy our chamber was chosen to host this event!  It’s crucial that our students have a solid understanding of government and be able to discuss ideas and concepts in meaningful ways.” Said Chris Clark, President and CEO of the Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce.

All local sixth, seventh and eighth graders are invited to participate in the first round of the contest, a short 500-word essay competition. The submission period will be from November 13, 2023 to January 8, 2024.

The essay will give students the chance to identify an opportunity or problem in their community and share their thoughts and ideas on how to solve it. Students need to write a 500-word essay, two pages, double-spaced, that includes the following:

• What is the problem, and how do different members in your community or neighborhood view it?
• What civic principles or systems could help to address the problem?
• What is your idea of recommendation for solving the problem?
• What primary sources, such as the Declaration of Independence or the United States Constitution, 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?

A panel of judges will review the essay submissions, students will be evaluated on how well they demonstrate an understanding of civics, acknowledge, and address opposing points of view, use primary sources, and clearly describe an idea innovative or new to them. The top 20 students will be selected to move on to the local event, a live quiz to test their civics knowledge. The finalists and top winner will receive various prizes, including $500 cash for the first-place student, $250 for the second and $125 for third place.

For more information on the essay topics, competition rules and prizes, and to submit your essay visit qcstudentchamber.com/national-civics-bee.

Businesses interested in sponsoring the event, can email Kim at kim@queencreekchamber.com.

###

About Queen Creek Chamber of Commerce

We were formed in 2002 to solve problems so businesses can thrive, because strong businesses create strong communities.