MEDIA ADVISORY: Middle School Students to Showcase Civics Knowledge and Community Improvement Ideas at 2025 National Civics Bee Pennsylvania State Finals

State Champion to Represent Pennsylvania at National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C. This Fall

STATE COLLEGE, PA – On Friday, June 13, middle school students from across Pennsylvania will demonstrate their civics knowledge and present ideas to improve their communities during the 2025 National Civics Bee Pennsylvania State Finals. The event will take place at 10 a.m. at the HUB-Robeson Center on the campus of Penn State University.

PA Chamber of Business and Industry President and CEO Luke Bernstein and Lt. Governor Austin Davis are co-chairs of the 2025 competition, which is being hosted by the PA Chamber Foundation in partnership with the Civic Trust of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. The National Civics Bee aims to inspire civic engagement and leadership among the next generation of Americans.

The 24 student participants earned their spots as finalists through eight regional competitions held earlier this year. The Pennsylvania State Finals will feature a live, quiz- style competition emceed by 2025 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year, Leon Smith, from the Haverford Township School District. The first two rounds will test students’ civics knowledge through multiple-choice questions. In the final round, the top five students will present essays outlining how they would use civics to improve their communities. A panel of judges will evaluate the presentations.

The overall winner will advance to represent Pennsylvania at the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., this fall.

Media are encouraged to attend. Interview opportunities will be available with PA Chamber President and CEO Luke Bernstein, emcee Leon Smith, and participating students.

List of Participants: