INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Indiana Department of Education on Wednesday announced the launch of the state’s inaugural 2024 Civics Bee aimed at encouraging more young Hoosiers in grades six through eight to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
The first-of-its-kind statewide civics competition will be held in August at the Indiana Statehouse. The event is done in conjunction with local chambers of commerce across the state and is part of the 2024 National Civics Bee from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, according to a news release from the Indiana Chamber.
Student participation begins with an essay submission, which is due Jan. 8, 2024. That essay ultimately will determine which students are selected to participate in the local, state and national events to follow.
The essays must be submitted online to the participating local chamber closest to where the student lives. Those eight organizations 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 and Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Increasing civic engagement for all Hoosiers is one of the goals of the Indiana Chamber’s new long-range visioning plan for the state called Indiana Prosperity 2035. 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,” said Indiana Chamber CEO-elect Vanessa Green Sinders.
“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.”
This competition coincides with a new Indiana law, effective this fall, that every student in grades six through eight must take one semester of civics education (on top of the high school government requirement). Sinders says both are key steps to improving the state’s lagging voter participation rate (ranking in the bottom 10 of all states per the Indiana Civic Health Index).
Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner is a vocal proponent of how civics can benefit students in their future personal and professional lives.
“Part of every student’s K-12 journey involves preparing students to serve as proactive and engaged contributors to society. 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,” she states.
“In order to encourage more civic engagement, more young people must have access to opportunities – like the Civics Bee – that build their skills and knowledge and empower them to make a difference. I look forward to the state contest this summer and to seeing our future leaders embracing what civics means.”
For more information on entering the competition, visit the website at www.indianachamber.com/civicsbee.