The Mississippi Economic Council is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and chambers of commerce across Mississippi to host a first-of-its-kind statewide civics competition.
The 2023-24 National Civics Bee encourages young Americans in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade 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 by sharing ideas for improving their communities and showing their enthusiasm for civics.
The winner of the National Civics Bee Mississippi State Finals will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the inaugural National Civics Bee national championship in the Fall of 2024.
HOW TO ENTER
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th-grade student residing in Mississippi with an idea about using civics to improve their community may review the rules and submit an essay application on this page:
WHY CIVICS?
We are hosting the National Civics Bee Mississippi State Finals because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three.
Through the Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge throughout Mississippi and celebrating our civic pride.
STATE FINALS
- Location - Mississippi Public Broadcasting
- Date - Summer 2024
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
- TBD
CONTACT US
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact 601-969-0022.
2023-24 National Civics Bee Timeline
- March 4, 2024 - 11:50 pm.: Essay portal closes.
- **Updated Deadline**
- February 20 – April 30, 2024: Local Bees take place.
- May 1 – August 30, 2024: State Bees take place.
- Fall 2024: National Championship takes place in D.C.
Additional Resources
Student Flyer (PDF)
Student Flyer (PPT)
Educator Guide (PDF)
Contest Rules
The National Civics Bee Official Contest Rules govern the competition to ensure fairness and integrity. They are customized to include the name, address, and end date (including time zone) of each local chamber partner. Otherwise, the Contest Rules must not be modified in any way. As you review the Official Contest Rules
in their entirety on the following pages, please note the following eligibility
requirements:
- Any student registered in 6th, 7th, or 8th grade in a public, private, or home school is eligible to participate
- Students may only apply to one competition, and it must be in their state of residence
- All entries must be in English
- If a student participated in a previous National Civics Bee, they must submit a new, unique entry
- Any student related to (or living with) Chamber staff, leadership, Board of Directors, or any student who is related to any partners/co-Sponsors of the National Civics Bee is not eligible (to prevent any perception of bias, preferentialism, or discrimination)
In addition, please note the following requirements related to documentation and data storage:
- Parents/Guardians of the selected Finalists must submit an eligibility validation and consent form for their child to participate in Local and State Events
- Tax Payer ID is not required to participate in the Bee, but it is required to receive the cash prizes (and any other prizes where the parent/guardian might be responsible to pay taxes)
- If a parent asks for their child’s data to be removed or deleted, they must contact civics@uschamber.com and the Local Competition Partner must inform USCCF
Mississippi will not host local competitions. Students are invited to participate in the state competition.