Director of Marketing and Communications, Johnson City Chamber of Commerce
Published
January 03, 2025
National Civics Bee Quick Links
Created in 2022 by The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation with support from its founding partner, Daniels Fund, the National Civics Bee® serves as a powerful catalyst for change, empowering students to envision and shape the future they want to see.
The Ripple Effect
To apply, the National Civics Bee challenges 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students to identify real issues in their communities and propose solutions grounded in our nation's Founding Principles and Civic Virtues. But it's more than just an essay assignment—it’s a meaningful step toward active community involvement.
Cooper Reaves, director of marketing and communications at the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce, reflected on the impact of the National Civics Bee during its first year in Tennessee.
“Now that we’re a year out from the first program, we’re really starting to see the fruits of our labor. Some students who participated and now beyond middle school have shown interest in joining our chamber’s youth leadership program or the city’s Junior Council. We’re seeing how the National Civics Bee serves as an introduction to civic engagement—giving students their first real connection to the chamber, the city, and the community—and inspiring them to get involved in other programs.”
A Community-Wide Effort
The success of the National Civics Bee relies on strong partnerships between chambers of commerce, local governments, school systems, and other community leaders. This collaboration creates a robust ecosystem of support for middle schoolers.
"Our city schools have integrated the National Civics Bee into their social studies curriculum," Reaves explains. "When students are studying the founding documents in class, the application becomes an integral part of that learning process.”
The Johnson City Chamber garnered an impressive 70 qualifying essays in their first year through strategic community partnerships. Their team joined forces with the city government's Public Affairs office and local multicultural center while securing buy-in from one of Tennessee's top-performing school districts.
Beyond the Competition
The impact of the National Civics Bee extends far beyond the competition itself. Reaves shares an inspiring example: their local first-place winner, an eighth grader named Elanor, was named an honorary member of the local League of Women Voters. She read her essay at their annual meeting, showcasing how this program can open doors and create connections between young people and established civic organizations.
"Your engagement with your government is of utmost importance because they are there to work for you—and they don't know what they don't know unless you tell them. The National Civics Bee gives students a platform to start learning what their government does and to have a voice in their community from a young age."
Why Participate?
Whether you're a student eager to make a difference, an educator passionate about civic education, or a community leader looking to invest in the future, the National Civics Bee offers a unique opportunity to be part of something transformative.
For students:
- Gain a deeper understanding of how government works
- Develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Compete for recognition and substantial prizes, including a potential $100,000 education savings plan for the national champion
For educators:
- Enhance your civic education curriculum with real-world applications
- Inspire students to become informed and active citizens
- Provide a platform for students to showcase their ideas
For communities:
- Foster a new generation of engaged citizens
- Benefit from fresh perspectives on local issues
- Strengthen the bond between young people and community institutions
Join the Movement
We’re looking for the next National Civics Bee champion. The application period is open through February 4, 2025, for 6th to 8th-grade students.
Visit our toolkit for resources, study guides, and tips on how to get involved.
About the authors
Alicia Sondberg
Alicia Sondberg is the associate manager of communications and digital marketing at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Cooper Reaves
Cooper Reaves is the director of marketing and communications at the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce.
