Shaping the leaders of tomorrow: The impact of the National Civics Bee on Utah's students and communities

Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes

Here's a quick civics lesson for you.

To serve in the Utah Legislature, you have to be at least 25 years old. To run for governor, you need to be 30. To become president of the United States, you must be 35.

But leadership doesn't begin when someone reaches a certain age. It starts much earlier than you might think.

It starts when young people learn to pay attention to the world around them, ask thoughtful questions and look for ways to improve their communities.

If you're concerned that the next generation is disconnected from current events or uninterested in civic engagement, the National Civics Bee may change your perspective — and leave you optimistic about the future.

The National Civics Bee Utah State Finals: The future on display

To become a great leader, you have to care about the world around you. You have to be aware of what's going on and learn to think critically about the issues facing your local community.

Across Utah and the nation, many sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students are already developing these skills through programs designed to encourage civic engagement and community involvement.

The National Civics Bee is a prime example. This nationwide competition invites middle schoolers to engage in civics and contribute to their communities by sharing ideas on improving their communities and demonstrating their enthusiasm for civics.

"Students who participate in the National Civics Bee® gain knowledge about American democracy, practice engaging respectfully and constructively, and build trust in others and institutions," the U.S. Chamber Foundation states.

"As they compete for prizes, students strengthen their civics, writing, and public speaking skills, and form friendships with other young leaders along the way."

If you want to see this enthusiasm on display, mark your calendar for June 26, when the Salt Lake Chamber and Utah Chamber will host the National Civics Bee Utah State Finals at Westminster University.

What's at stake

The winner of the state finals will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the national championship in Fall 2026, for the opportunity to win a $100,000 529 education fund.

While the grand prize is certainly exciting, the lasting impact extends far beyond any scholarship or competition result.

By encouraging students to engage with community issues, think critically and communicate their ideas, the National Civics Bee helps develop informed and engaged citizens at a young age.

That's something every community needs.

A great way to celebrate democracy

As the nation celebrates its 250th anniversary this year, the National Civics Bee offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the long line of leaders and ordinary citizens who made that possible.

Dr. Stephanie Serriere, an assistant professor of social studies education at Indiana University-Purdue University, explained why engaging children in civics discussions early on is critical to preserving the freedoms Americans hold so dear.

"As I tell my undergraduate students and pre-service teachers, democracy is not something we are just gifted," Serriere told the National Education Association. "Democracy does not live happily under plexiglass in Washington, D.C., protecting our rights and freedoms. No! We must actively work to maintain it."

That won't happen unless today's young people take an active interest in their communities. Thankfully, the National Civics Bee can both inspire and serve as a springboard for conversations about important topics that affect people locally and nationally.

Come support Utah's future leaders

Whether you're a business leader, educator, parent or simply someone who cares about Utah's future, the National Civics Bee Utah State Finals offers an opportunity to support the next generation of community leaders.

Today's finalists are developing skills that will serve them throughout their lives — from public speaking and critical thinking to civic engagement and problem-solving. Some may become educators, entrepreneurs, elected officials or community advocates. Others may simply become informed citizens who make their neighborhoods and communities stronger.

Either way, Utah benefits.

How to attend the National Civics Bee Utah State Finals

The National Civics Bee Utah State Finals will be held in the Vieve Gore Concert Hall, Emma Eccles Jones Conservatory at Westminster University on Friday, June 26, at 1 p.m. Admission is free and open to the public.

To learn more about the competition, visit the Salt Lake Chamber website.

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