The Flinn Foundation will host the Arizona State Competition of the National Civics Bee May 3 as Arizona middle schoolers strive to represent their state at the national competition in Washington, D.C.
The Arizona Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Arizona Chamber Foundation is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the Gilbert, Queen Creek, Tucson, and Yuma chambers of commerce to encourage civic knowledge and leadership.
The top three finalists from the locally hosted competitions advance to the May 3 live statewide competition at the Phoenix-based Flinn Foundation, with one moving on to the third annual national contest in November.
The Flinn Foundation is home to the Arizona Center for Civic Leadership, Arizona’s premier program of learning and support for state-level public service through civic education, engagement, and leadership-development programs.
The Center’s Flinn Young Leaders initiative emphasizes civic learning and skill-building and helps teens imagine paths to making a difference.
Flinn Foundation Vice President, Civic Leadership Dawn Wallace sees a perfect match between the Foundation’s mission and the goals of the National Civics Bee.
“The Flinn Foundation is excited to host these passionate young people learning about our country’s history and government, as well as promote ways they can improve their communities, our state, and country,” Wallace said. “Flinn’s mission is to improve the quality of life in Arizona to benefit future generations, and this event is one way we can help develop the civic leaders of tomorrow.”
The participating 6th, 7th, and 8th graders submitted 500-word essays and answered two rounds of civics-based quiz questions during the local competition. At the statewide competition, the advancing students will answer rounds of civics questions. Finalists will also make a pitch of their essay’s topic and solutions and may participate in a group-solve challenge event. The top three finishers will receive a cash prize and trophy.
In addition to Flinn Young Leaders, the nonpartisan Arizona Center for Civic Leadership at the Flinn Foundation delivers educational programming for the public to become better-informed on Arizona policy and political topics through CivEx. The Civic Leadership Collaborative and the Arizona Civic Life Partnership convene organizations that strengthen civic participation and connected communities. The Center’s cornerstone, the prestigious Flinn-Brown Fellowship, is an immersive experience for community leaders from diverse backgrounds. Fellows engage in rich discussions with policymakers and political experts; join a robust professional network; and gain understanding of how to address Arizona’s most pressing issues through public service.