Applications are due Feb. 3 for Wayne County’s National Civics Bee competition.
Students in sixth through eighth grades are eligible to submit an essay proposing ideas for improving their community.
Students and teachers can access guides on the Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce’s website to help them learn how to craft their essays.
Participation is free. A panel will judge the applications, which are available at www.wcareachamber.org/civicsbee.html.
The regional bee begins at 6 p.m. April 17 at Indiana University East’s Vivian Auditorium. Three winners will advance to the state contest.
Those selected will get to engage with local leaders, share their civic knowledge and passion, and compete for cash prizes.
Wayne County has already sent a student to the national competition. In its first year of organizing a bee, it sent RCS student Ellie Fost to the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C.
Local prizes are at least $500, $250 and $125. The state champion wins at least $1,000, and the national winner receives a $100,000 education savings plan.
The event is organized by U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
A version of this article appeared in the January 28 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.