Greater Topeka Chamber Partners with Forge Young Talent to Launch National Civics Bee® Program in Shawnee County

Shawnee County middle school students will now have an opportunity to test their civics knowledge and compete for national title.

Topeka, KS—The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce and Forge Young Talent are proud to announce the local launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Topeka will inspire area middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.

Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools in Shawnee County are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. After a distinguished panel of judges review the essays, the top 20 students will be selected to advance to their local competition—an in-person live event featuring two rounds of civics questions followed by a Q&A round to test their civics knowledge. The Topeka Chamber, in partnership with Forge, will host its local competition in the spring of 2025. The local finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including prizes worth at least $500 for the first-place student.

Participants in National Civics Bee® events will have the chance to gain recognition for their civics knowledge and skills and compete for prestigious prizes throughout the rounds of competition. These competitions enable students to explore issues that matter to their communities, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship. Winners from each of the local competitions across Kansas will be invited to take part in the state finals. The first-place winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete for prizes worth at least $50,000 during the national championship in the fall of 2025.

“We are so excited to debut our Civic Engagement Academy in conjunction with our 2025 National Civics Bee competition,” said Juliet Abdel, Topeka Chamber president. “This is one of several tools to engage all members of our city and region in a unique and fulfilling way.”

“Forge is proud to partner with the Topeka Chamber to make our local engagement academy and civics bee a success,” said Rhett Flood, Forge executive director. “Encouraging young people, through civics education, to get involved and be part of local solutions is important to our community’s success.”

“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “The National Civics Bee® provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future.”

For more information about the National Civics Bee® in Kansas and how to enter visit NationalCivicsBee.org. More information about the local competition in Topeka will be available soon.

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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.
About Topeka Chamber of Commerce
The Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce operates within the Greater Topeka Partnership. The chamber’s purpose is to be the leading regional advocate for businesses in Topeka and Shawnee County. It works on behalf of member businesses to influence legislation, communicate regulatory concerns, and continue to foster a business-friendly climate. The chamber advocates, connects, and educates member businesses to government at all levels. Learn more at TopekaPartnership.com/Topeka-Chamber.
About Forge Young Talent
Forge Young Talent is Topeka’s premier young professional’s group, offering opportunities for area residents ages 18 to about 40 to participate in educational, philanthropic, networking and social programs. Forge operates within the Greater Topeka Partnership under GO Topeka and works to ensure Kansas’ capital city is a place where young talent wants to live, work, play, connect and lead. Learn more at TopekaForge.org.