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Talented Students, Strong Partnerships Make National Civics Bee a Success

by Bill of Rights Institute on

Tears streamed down Emily Brubaker’s face as the Alaskan middle-schooler was announced as the winner of the 2024 National Civics Bee ® on November 12. 

Brubaker received the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and a $100,000 529 plan that can be used for any future educational purposes.

For the students who competed in the National Civics Bee and the event organizers, this special moment was many months in the making. 

The National Civics Bee is a nationwide competition launched by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to encourage young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. 

The Bill of Rights Institute was proud to work alongside the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to produce study guides, contest materials, and supporting content for the National Civics Bee. Bill of Rights Institute President and CEO David Bobb also served as host for the group competition on November 11.   

Bill of Rights Institute President and CEO David Bobb speaks during the National Civics Bee group competition.

The road to the championship began earlier this year, as more than 8,000 middle school students participated in National Civics Bee competitions across 28 states, hosted in partnership with local chambers of commerce. Through essay rounds and live quiz challenges, the top 27 students earned their spot at the national championship, held at U.S. Chamber of Commerce headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The inaugural event brought together leaders from business, philanthropy, education, and civic sectors, along with families, educators, and community members who tuned in to cheer on the young champions. Marc Summers, TV personality and former host of Nickelodeon’s “Double Dare,” served as Master of Ceremonies. Judges included Emma Bloomberg, founder & CEO of Murmuration; former Secretary of Transportation Rodney Slater; and former Secretary of Veterans Affairs Jim Nicholson, among others.

During the championship, students participated in team challenges, delivered presentations, and engaged in real-world problem-solving exercises designed to demonstrate their understanding of civic issues and their potential as future leaders. In the final round, the top five contestants faced off in a buzzer challenge. Brubaker had the highest cumulative score, standing out with her insightful answers, poise, and depth of civic knowledge. Michael O’Mara from Iowa and Keith Lee from New Mexico earned second and third place honors, respectively.

Emily Brubaker of Alaska was named winner of the National Civics Bee.

In addition to funding from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the National Civics Bee was made possible by generous support from Founding Partner, The Daniels Fund, as well as The Anschutz Foundation, Wilson Garling Foundation, Citizen Travelers, Welcome.US, and Starbucks.

“We created the National Civics Bee with the belief that all of us, including the business community, play a vital role in preparing the next generation with the skills and knowledge essential for success,” said Michael Carney, president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “These students are showing us how civic engagement can lead to innovative solutions, effective leadership, and critical 21st century skills.”