HONOLULU, HI – The Chamber of Commerce Hawaii invites 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students across the state to share their ideas for improving their communities by entering the 2027 National Civics Bee®, presented by the Honolulu Star-Advertiser.

“The National Civics Bee® inspires young people to think critically, contribute locally, and embrace civic responsibility,” says Sherry Menor, President and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Hawaii. “Every one of the 2030 Blueprint‘s priorities, from small business to workforce to agriculture, depends on young people who know how to identify a problem and organize people around a solution, and that’s exactly what this program teaches. After two successful years, we’re excited to do it again, giving Hawaii’s youth another incredible opportunity to use their voices and leadership to help shape the future of our islands.”

Created by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this annual competition inspires young people to engage in civics, develop leadership skills and contribute to positive change where they live. Through a short essay, students identify a community challenge, propose a solution, and connect their ideas to the founding principles and civic virtues that shape our nation.

Educators are encouraged to incorporate the National Civics Bee into their curriculum to enhance students’ understanding of government, civic responsibility, and critical thinking. A comprehensive toolkit, including lesson plans, sample prompts, and teaching resources, is available online at https://www.cochawaii.org/programs/education-workforce-development/national-civics-bee-hawaii.

Essays must be submitted online by Tuesday, February 2, 2027, at 11:59 p.m. HST via the official portal at my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site/NationalCivicsBee2027. Participation is free, and students from public, private, charter and home schools are eligible.

Top essayists are invited to the Hawaii State Finals on May 1, 2027, at Kaimuki High School’s auditorium, competing for personal cash prizes: $1,000 for first place (and $5,000 for their school), $500 for second, and $250 for third. Finalists from the outer islands are eligible for travel support.

During the state competition, audience members can join the fun using their phones during the first two civics-focused trivia rounds, with the top scorer winning a prize. Registration for the May 2027 event will be available online at https://www.cochawaii.org/programs/education-workforce-development/national-civics-bee-hawaii.

The state champion will advance to the National Civics Bee in Washington, D.C., in fall 2027, where the national winner will receive a $100,000 529 Plan contribution.

Beyond the competition, students gain invaluable experience in writing, public speaking and civic knowledge and practice confidence, compassion, and civic responsibility. By participating, Hawaii students learn that their voices matter and that even small ideas can lead to big change.

Learn more at https://www.cochawaii.org/national-civics-bee.