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Hawaii students in sixth through eighth grades can enter the 2027 National Civics Bee by submitting an essay about a challenge in their community and a proposed solution.
The free competition is open to public, private and charter school students, as well as home-schooled students. Essays should connect students' ideas to the nation's founding principles and civic virtues. Entries are due by 11:59 p.m. Feb. 2 at tinyurl.com/5n7ztcwj.
Top essayists will be invited to the Hawaii state finals May 1 at Kaimuki High School on Oahu. Prizes are $1,000 for first place, $500 for second and $250 for third. The first-place winner's school will receive $5,000, and travel assistance will be available to eligible neighbor island finalists.
The state champion will advance to the national competition in Washington, D.C., in fall 2027. The national winner will receive a $100,000 contribution to a 529 education savings plan.
The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii and the Honolulu Star-Advertiser are organizing the state competition, which was created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Teaching resources are available at cochawaii.org/national-civics-bee.