The Paducah Area Chamber of Commerce has been selected by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation as one of six local chambers in Kentucky to host a middle school Civics Bee competition in Spring 2023.

The 2023 National Civics Bee is an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Organized in partnership with The Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition open to middle schoolers in Western Kentucky will inspire them to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.

“We want to help students in our community appreciate the importance of civics in our everyday lives,” said Sandra Wilson, Paducah Chamber President. “The Civics Bee gives local students an opportunity to share their thoughts, ideas and voices about our community.”

Sixth, seventh and eighth grade students from across Western Kentucky are invited to take part in the first-round civics essay competition. The deadline for student essay submissions is February 24. The online portal to submit student essay will open on January 13.

A panel of community leaders will review each of the 500-word essay submissions. The top 20 students will be selected to move on to the final round of competition: a live quiz event, held in Paducah, to test their civics knowledge. The finalists and top winners will receive various prizes, including $500 cash for the first-place student. The top 3 winners will then have a chance to compete at the state competition.

For more information, contact the Chamber at info@paducahchamber.org or call 270-443-1746.