The Maryland Chamber Foundation hosted the pilot National Civics Bee, sponsored in Maryland by Amazon, on May 7, 2022, at Bowie State University, where ten middle school students competed in a quiz-style event to test their civics knowledge. Michael A., an eighth grader from Franklin Middle School in Baltimore County, walked away with the first-place prize: a trophy, a check for $1,000 and a new laptop. Second place was awarded to Gianna S., a homeschooled 6^th grader from Prince George’s County, and third place went to Jaqueline N., an eighth grader at Redland Middle School in Montgomery County. The top three students won cash prizes, and all ten finalists were awarded laptops for their impressive efforts. Read the full press release on the event here.

In February 2022, The Maryland Chamber Foundation announced the launch of the 2022 National Civics Bee, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. The event is one of six pilot programs organized by The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The competition engages middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the public square and to build greater trust in others and institutions. Learn more from the official launch press release.

Thank you to our 2022 Civics Bee Sponsor:

How it works

The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. In the first round of the contest, Maryland middle school students participate in an essay competition. Judges select 10 finalists with the top essays to participate in the final round: a live quiz event testing civics knowledge.

The competition is open to any Maryland middle school students (grades 6-8) in any school – public, private, charter, virtual or home-based.

More info on the 2023 competition coming in Fall 2022.

Why is civics important?

We are hosting the Civics Bee because we recognize that a healthy democracy relies on citizens who are well informed about their history, government and public issues and who are motivated to engage constructively in shaping the vibrancy of public life in their communities, their states and their nation. The business community our Chamber represents understands it has an enormous stake – as well as a unique and potentially effective role to play – in strengthening American civic life.

Read more about why civics education matters in our blog: “Boosting civics education is critical for a healthy, stable economy”

Meet our 2022 Finalists

The Maryland Chamber Foundation is a designated 501(c)(3) and supports sustainable solutions that drive Maryland’s future economy including talent, education, innovation, economic diversity, infrastructure, business climate, governance, and quality of life.

 For more information on the Maryland Chamber Foundation, contact Executive Director Whitney Harmel at wharmel@mdchamber.org or call 410-269-0642, ext. 1117.