Overland Park, Kan., November 13, 2023 – The application portal opened today for 6th, 7th or 8th grade students in Kansas to enter the first-of-its-kind statewide civics competition.

The Overland Park Chamber Foundation is partnering with the Kansas Leadership Center (KLC), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and three other chambers of commerce in Kansas to host the competition.

At the National Civics Bee competition in Overland Park, 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. Each finalist will be recognized and the top three winners will receive a cash prize.

“Civics is such an important topic, but we believe it is one that doesn’t get enough attention. We’re excited to be part of this effort to increase understanding in how our government functions, counter the polarization that is occurring in our political environment and enhance participation in our democratic process,” said Kevin Walker, Executive Vice President & Chief Policy Officer for the Overland Park Chamber of Commerce.

The top three winners of the National Civics Bee in Overland Park, 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 application portal is 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.