Louisa, VA – The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Louisa County Public Schools and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is excited to host the 2025 National Civics Bee®. This prestigious civics competition is one of only five programs being held in Virginia and is part of a nationwide initiative encouraging middle school students to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.

The Louisa County program stands out among participants nationwide, ranking in the top 3% for essay submissions to date. This remarkable achievement reflects the community’s commitment to promoting civic education and engaging youth in meaningful ways.

The program kicked off last fall and invites all 6th, 7th, and 8th graders in Louisa County and beyond to participate. It’s open to students from public, private, charter, and homeschool settings, ensuring inclusivity and a wide reach. Students from neighboring counties are also encouraged to join, as the program is not limited to Louisa County residents.

How It Works:
Students submit a 600-750 word essay by February 4, 2025, addressing a local issue, proposing an innovative solution, and explaining how civic principles and virtues shape their idea. The top 20 essays will advance to a live local competition on April 8, 2025, at the Louisa County High School Alan Jackson Auditorium.

“This partnership with Louisa County Public Schools highlights our shared mission to inspire the next generation of leaders,” said Tracy Clark, Executive Director of the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce. “By participating in the National Civics Bee, students learn to think critically, communicate effectively, and become active members of their communities.”

The program culminates in a live local event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round where students defend their ideas. Local winners will advance to the Virginia state finals, with the state champion competing in the national championship in Washington, D.C. for prizes, including a $100,000 529 college savings plan.

Key Details:

• Who Can Participate: 6th, 7th, and 8th graders from public, private, charter, and homeschool settings in Louisa County and beyond.
• Essay Submission Deadline: February 4, 2025.
• How to Submit: Visit  nationalcivicsbee.org to submit your essay.

“This program not only gives our students a platform to showcase their knowledge and ideas, but it also encourages them to think deeply about things that they can do to improve our community,” said Louisa County Public Schools Director of Secondary Education and Program Chair Lee Downey. “We’re honored to be part of a program that builds informed, engaged citizens.”

For additional information and opportunities to support this program, please contact Tracy Hale Clark, Executive Director 540.967.0944.

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About the Louisa County Chamber of Commerce:
The Louisa County Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to supporting the local business community by advocating for policies that foster economic growth, providing resources and networking opportunities for its members, and promoting a vibrant and prosperous Louisa County.

About National Civics Bee®

The National Civics Bee®, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s The Civic Trust®, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee® helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state and local chambers across the country. The National Civics Bee® is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.