Civics Bee Coming To Orland Park, Essay Submissions Open Now

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park middle schoolers can now enter for an opportunity to compete in a civics bee, with a chance to move on to the national stage and compete for $50,000 in prizes.

The Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday announced its participation in 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 in Orland Park will 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, the Chamber said in a release.

Middle schoolers from public, private, charter, and home schools are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. The essay application portal is now live, and can beaccessed on the Chamber’s website. Students should submit their work through Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

After a panel reviews the essays, the top 20 students will be selected to advance to their local competition: an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge. The Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce will host its local competition in the spring of 2025. The local finalists and top winners will receive various prizes worth at least $500 for the first-place student.

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, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship. Winners from each of the local competitions across Illinois 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.

"It is imperative that we educate our young learners about civic and government principles to maintain a dynamic democracy and an engaged citizenry in the U.S.," said Sarah Stasukewicz. Chief Executive Officer of the Orland Park Area Chamber of Commerce.

"This partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation is a wonderful opportunity for our Chamber, as the National Civics Bee serves as a remarkable platform for students to display their civic knowledge while inspiring them to become responsible citizens in the years to come."

“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America," said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.

"The National Civics Bee provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future."

Students can submit their essays online, and have until Tuesday, Feb. 4 at 11:59 p.m. ET.