Increasing civic engagement for all Hoosiers is one of the goals of the Indiana Chamber’s new long-range visioning plan for the state, Indiana Prosperity 2035. The organization, in partnership with the Indiana Department of Education, now has launched 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.
Student participation begins with an essay submission, which is due January 22, 2024. That essay ultimately will determine which students are selected to participate in the regional, 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.
“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,” offers 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.”
For more information on entering the competition, visit www.indianachamber.com/civicsbee.
