Minot Area Chamber EDC has announced the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition across the state of North Dakota is designed to inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.

Middle school students in sixth, seventh and eighth grades from public, private and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. The top 20 students will be selected to advance to their local competition – an in-person event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a question-and-answer round to test their civics knowledge. MACEDC will host its local competition in the spring of 2025. The local finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including prizes worth at least $500 for the first-place student.

Winners from each of the local competitions across North Dakota will be invited to take part in the state finals. The first-place winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington,

D.C., to compete for prizes worth at least $50,000 during the national championship in the fall of 2025.

Participants in the National Civics Bee will have the chance to gain recognition for their civics knowledge and skills and compete for prestigious prizes throughout the competition. The competition enables students to explore issues that matter to their communities.

“It’s never too early to get involved in the community, and we’re eager to be spearheading this initiative for our local middle school students,” said Brekka Kramer, MACEDC president and CEO. “Not only is this an opportunity to help young people better understand civics and make personal connections to the area, but it offers a unique perspective on what they find important and how they believe in bettering their communities. We look forward to reading the essays that are submitted and hope it sparks inspiration for a lifetime of learning about civics.”

For more information on entering the National Civics Bee in North Dakota, contact MACEDC.