In Orange County, California, the “National Civics Bee” will be held for the first time at the Nixon Library on March 12 next year. The event is promoted and organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The Nixon Presidential Foundation has launched a civic movement in the United States to promote civic education for elementary, middle, and high school students. They will co-sponsor the event with the Yorba Linda Chamber of Commerce in Orange County. The organizers are calling on all 6th to 8th grade students to participate, showcasing their civic knowledge for recognition and cash rewards. The top three winners will advance to the state finals (state competitions will be held from mid-May to August next year), with the California champion heading to Washington, D.C. to compete in the national championship and a chance to win a grand prize.
To register, please visit The Civic Trust® website and refer to the details, at no cost. The deadline for registration is February 4 next year. Students from all types of schools (public, private, charter, and homeschooling) are welcome to participate. They are required to submit a 500-word essay answering three questions and proposing ideas for improving the community. The application can be downloaded from the essay writing guide. The top 20 applicants who qualify at the essay preliminary round will compete in the live event at the Nixon Library on March 12.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has established The Civic Trust® organization in collaboration with local chambers of commerce across the states. Their website states, “We recognize the importance of democracy to the nation’s prosperity, and we know that businesses play a role in strengthening democracy. Through activities like the National Civics Bee, we are committed to promoting and fostering an understanding of civic knowledge in schools, workplaces, and communities.”
The 2023 “National Report Card” indicated poor student performance in American history and civic education, with only 13% of students considered “proficient” in American history, and only 22% deemed “proficient” in civic education. Meanwhile, one-third of adults cannot name the three branches of government – executive, legislative, and judicial, and 72% are unaware that the First Amendment aims to safeguard press freedom. The lack of civic knowledge has exacerbated divisions and hostilities among people.
According to The Civic Trust® website, in an era filled with malicious rhetoric and distrust of institutions, those who do not understand civic virtues or republican government are vulnerable to becoming targets for agitators, conspiracy theorists, and malicious actors. The “National Civics Bee” aims to help students understand the exceptional republic and the conditions necessary for its flourishing, empowering them to protect the republic against attacks from left-wing and right-wing ideologues who have lost confidence in America.
The inaugural “2024 National Civics Speed Championship” took place in Washington, D.C. on November 12, welcoming 27 champion students from 27 states to compete. The website showcases the competition details and provides insights into basic civic knowledge. In the fall of 2025, winners from all 50 states and Washington, D.C. will participate in the nationwide civic bee competition.