Maryland Chamber Foundation Announces Opening of 2025 National Civics Bee®

ANNAPOLIS, Md. — The Maryland Chamber Foundation, a 501(c)(3) that focuses on the research and educational objectives of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, announces the opening of the 2025 National Civics Bee®. Open to all Maryland sixth, seventh and eighth graders across the state, this annual competition encourages young Americans to engage in civics, learn about our country's history and government, and propose solutions to community issues.

Each year, local chambers partner with the Maryland Chamber Foundation, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and The Civic Trust to host a non-partisan civics competition for middle school students, allowing them to flex their civics knowledge for a chance to win recognition and cash prizes, and the opportunity to advance to the Maryland State Finals and then the national competition.

Students may enter the first-round local competition by submitting an essay that responds to the following three prompts:

1. Identify a specific problem, challenge, or opportunity in your community. What can you do to contribute to its improvement? (200 words minimum – 250 words maximum)
2. What individuals or organizations would you work with to accomplish your solution? Examples include elected officials, business leaders and nonprofits. (200 words minimum – 250 words maximum)
3. How does your solution include Founding Principles and Civic Virtues? (200 words minimum – 250 words maximum)

Judge will read and score each essay those scores will be used to select 20 finalists to compete in a live, in-person event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round with three local judges. The First, Second, and Third place winners of the live competition will advance to the National Civics Bee®: Maryland State Finals in June 2025.

Participating Maryland Chambers include the Allegany County Chamber of Commerce, Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce, Greater Crofton Chamber of Commerce. Harford County Chamber of Commerce, St. Mary’s County Chamber of Commerce and Worcester County Chamber of Commerce in Ocean Pines.

“We are elated to host the 2025 National Civics Bee®: Maryland State Finals for a fourth year in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and local chambers of commerce from across our state,” said Whitney Harmel, executive director of the Maryland Chamber Foundation and executive vice president of the Maryland Chamber of Commerce. “This contest offers a unique way for passionate middle school students to engage in civics and earn recognition for it, and we can’t wait to learn more about their creative solutions to some of our community’s most pressing issues.”

For more information on the 2025 entry process, visit mdchamber.org/CivicsBee.