WYOMING — Middle school students in the Cowboy State can flex their American civics knowledge at a statewide competition next year.
The National Civics Bee is coming to the State Capitol building in Cheyenne on April 12, 2024, marking the first iteration of the event in Wyoming.
The civics bee, modeled on the structure of a traditional spelling bee, will be open to Wyoming students in grades 6, 7 and 8, who can enter the competition by submitting an essay online beginning Monday, Nov. 13, through Jan. 8, 2024. The essay should be approximately 500 words, focusing on a problem facing the student’s community and demonstrating the student’s understanding of civic principles or systems that could help solve that problem.
Judges will select 20 finalists based on essay submissions. Those finalists will compete for cash prizes of up to $1,000 in the Wyoming State Finals, and the winner of the state finals will advance to a national competition in Washington, D.C.
“In these challenging times, fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is of utmost importance,” the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s Vice President of Civics Hilary Crow said via press release. “The National Civics Bee provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future.”
Interested students, teachers and parents can learn more here.
