Chamber, DOE to launch Civics Bee
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The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Department of Education are launching a statewide civics competition next year, the chamber announced Wednesday.
The inaugural 2024 Civics Bee is designed to encourage more students in grades 6-8 to “engage in civics and contribute to their communities.”
Participating students will begin the competition with an essay submission that will be due Jan. 8. The essays will determine which students are selected to participate in local, state and national events that will follow; the statewide event will take place in August at the Indiana Statehouse.
“Having a foundation in American democracy–to engage respectfully, constructively and collaboratively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions–is critical,” Indiana Chamber CEO-elect Vanessa Green Sinders, said in written remarks. “That’s why we are so excited to help lead the way with this state competition that will help inspire our middle schoolers to take part in elections, get involved in their communities and even consider going into public service themselves.”
The essays will be submitted online to the participating local chamber closest to where the student lives. The participating chambers are:
- Greater Grant County
- Greater Muncie Chamber of Commerce
- Kendallville Area Chamber of Commerce
- Knox County Chamber of Commerce
- Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce
- Michigan City Area Chamber of Commerce
- Plainfield Chamber of Commerce
- Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce
The competition coincides with a state law passed in 2021 that will require every student in grades 6-8 to take one semester of civics education. That law went into effect this fall.
“Part of every student’s K-12 journey involves preparing students to serve as proactive and engaged contributors to society,” said Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner. “Through civics education, students understand not just their rights but their individual responsibilities as citizens, including their important role in the democratic process. This challenges students to think beyond themselves and to recognize their ability to impact the world around them.”
The competition is part of the 2024 National Civics Bee from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
You can learn more about the Indiana Civics Bee by clicking here.