WICHITA, Kan. — The Kansas Leadership Center (KLC), a Wichita-based nonprofit, is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and four chambers of commerce across Kansas – including the Hutchinson-Reno County Chamber of Commerce – to host a first-of-its-kind statewide civics competition.
At the National Civics Bee competition in Hutchinson, at least 1,000 local middle school students will participate in a first-round essay competition. Judges will select 20 students from their essays to go to the final round – a live quiz event testing civics knowledge that will take place on April 17 at Stringer Fine Arts Center. Each finalist will be recognized and the top three winners will receive a cash prize.
“We are thrilled to have the opportunity to partner with the KLC and the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation in an event that will engage students across the state to recognize the importance of civics and being an informed student and citizen. This is just one of the many ways that we have enhanced our workforce partnerships with school districts across Reno County and the region to ensure a future talent pipeline for our businesses and members,” said Debra Teufel, president and CEO of Hutchinson/Reno County Chamber of Commerce.
The top three winners of the National Civics Bee in Hutchinson, along with the top three winners from each of the other Kansas communities also hosting a National Civics Bee competition, will attend the National Civics Bee Kansas state finals the summer of 2024 at the Kansas Leadership Center.
“We are proud to host the National Civics Bee Kansas state finals. We believe that informed and active citizens make for more innovative and connected communities, which means a strong democracy, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the Bee, the Kansas Leadership Center fosters greater civic knowledge throughout Kansas and celebrates our civic pride,” said Kaye Monk-Morgan, president and CEO of the Kansas Leadership Center.
The winner of the National Civics Bee Kansas state finals at KLC will be invited to Washington, D.C. to compete in the inaugural National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2024.
The essay application portal is now open through January 8, 2024. Any 6th, 7th, or 8th grade student residing in Kansas with an idea about using civics to improve their community can learn more and apply here.
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