Calling all 6th, 7th and 8th grade students!
Share your ideas and flex your civics knowledge in the
National Civics Bee®.
ABOUT THE BEE
The South Dakota Chamber of Commerce & Industry is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and local chambers of commerce across South Dakota to host a nonpartisan statewide civics competition. The 2024-25 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® South Dakota State Finals will receive a trip to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee® national championship in Fall 2025.
WHY CIVICS?
We are hosting the National Civics Bee® South Dakota 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 South Dakota and celebrating our civic pride.
HOW TO ENTER
Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in South Dakota with an idea about using civics to improve their community may submit their essay to participate in one of the local competitions linked below. Students should review the Contest Rules and Essay Guide information in the STUDENT FLYER and the STUDENT ESSAY GUIDE.
2024-2025 LOCAL COMPETITIONS
Brookings
Dakota Dunes
Rapid City
2024-2025 COMPETITION TIMELINE
- October 2024: Essay Application Portal opens.
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025: Essay Submission Deadline
- February 6-12, 2025: Essay Judging Window
- February 14 – 24, 2025: Finalist Confirmation Window
- Monday, March 10 – Saturday, May 3: Local Bees take place.
- Friday, May 16 – Saturday, August 30: State Bees take place.
- Fall 2025: National Championship takes place in D.C.
The U.S. Chamber Foundation sets the competition dates and all deadlines. The judging deadline, parent confirmation window, and pre-event study window are the same for entrants in every location.
RESOURCES/ADDITIONAL INFO:
· Essay Guide
· National Civics Bee® Highlights Video
· National Civics Bee® Website
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Are you interested in showcasing your company's commitment to developing​ active and engaged citizens? For information about available corporate sponsorships, please contact maryanneb@sdchamber.biz.
CONTACT US
If you have any questions or need additional information, please contact maryanneb@sdchamber.biz.
2024-25 Competition Timeline:
- October 2024: Essay Application Portal opens.
- Tuesday, February 4, 2025: Essay Submission Deadline
- February 6-12, 2025: Essay Judging Window
- February 14 – 24, 2025: Finalist Confirmation Window
- Monday, March 10 – Saturday, May 3: Local Bees take place.
- Friday, May 16 – Saturday, August 30: State Bees take place.
- Fall 2025: National Championship takes place in D.C.
As a reminder, the U.S. Chamber Foundation sets the competition dates and all deadlines. The judging deadline, parent confirmation window, and pre-event study window are the same for entrants in every location.