A little friendly competition can go a long way. Whether on the sports field or in the business world, striving to be our best pushes us to grow our skills and reach new levels of achievement. For students, competition offers a unique opportunity to combine learning with fun. It brings classroom lessons to life and connects them with peers equally motivated to succeed.

I’d like to highlight an opportunity for Idaho students to do just that, while engaging with one of the most essential areas of learning: civics. Preparing young people for responsible participation in American government, politics and policymaking helps ensure they grow into informed voters, engaged citizens and good neighbors—exactly what our country needs for a strong and vibrant future.

The National Civics Bee gives students the chance to put their knowledge to the test against peers from across the state in a competition designed to deepen and challenge their understanding of civics. Participants will explore community issues, sharpen their civic knowledge, compete for exciting prizes and enjoy the experience. They even have the opportunity to advance to the national level.

This year, the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and health and wellness company Melaleuca have teamed up to sponsor and host Idaho’s state-level competition for students in grades 6–8. The contest will take place in two phases. First, students will submit an essay identifying a community issue and proposing a solution. From these submissions, judges will select 20 finalists to advance to a live, quiz-style competition in Idaho Falls, where students will demonstrate their knowledge before a panel of judges and a public audience. The state winner will then advance to compete against students from across the country at the national level.

In addition to showcasing their civic knowledge, students will compete for meaningful prizes. The first-place Idaho winner will receive a $1,000 cash prize and a $5,000 donation to their school. At the national level, the top prize includes a $100,000 contribution to a 529 college savings plan. What an incredible opportunity!

As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, this contest offers a powerful way to inspire civic pride, solution-oriented thinking and a deeper appreciation for American values. Participation is easy. Students can submit their essays now at https://idahofallschamber.com/national-civics-bee-idaho/.

I’d like to thank the Greater Idaho Falls Chamber of Commerce and Melaleuca for their partnership and sponsorship in making this opportunity possible for Idaho students. Prioritizing civics in schools, communities and the minds of young people helps ensure the next generation has the knowledge and confidence to participate, lead and build a bright future for Idaho and our nation.