2025 National Civics Bee New York

The Business Council, through our Public Policy Institute, is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and three chambers of commerce across New York State to host a statewide civics competition.

The 2024-25 National Civics Bee encourages students to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. The competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, gives students the chance to win recognition and earn cash prizes by sharing ideas for improving their communities and showing their enthusiasm for civics.

The winner of the National Civics Bee New York State Finals will be invited to Washington, DC to compete in the National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2025.

Event Emcee: Greg Floyd, Anchor, WRGB-TV/CBS 6

Guest Speakers: 

• Honorable Mary Beth Walsh, Assembly District 112, New York State Assembly

Judges:

• Ken Collins, Director, Public Affairs, Kinder Morgan, Inc.
• Marggie Skinner, Life Member, Past President, League of Women Voters Albany County
• Peter Wohl, Chief Performance Officer, Broadview Federal Credit Union

Panel Moderator:

• Anthony Simone, Vice President of Development, The Bill of Rights Institute

Panelists:

• Lauren Fisher, Deputy Director of Administration, New York State Insurance Fund (NYSIF)
• Student from Albany High School
• Student from Bethlehem High School

State Competition Rules

More information about the National Civics Bee on our Public Policy Institute Webpage

Optional Tour of the New York State Capitol - 3:00- 3:45 p.m.

Join the fun on a tour of the New York State Capitol. Visit one of the most beautiful and historic buildings in the country. Highlights of the 45-minute tour can include the legislative chambers, Hall of Governors, Governor’s Reception Room, Hall of New York, historic staircases, and the recent Ruth Bader Ginsburg portrait carving. Tour access and route are subject to change.

This optional tour will take place at 3:00 p.m.  More information will be provided once you sign up for the tour on the registration page. Registration coming soon.

Click here to learn more about the sponsorship opportunities.

Create awareness of your company, broaden your visibility and reinforce your image. Contact Danielle Gormley at [email protected] or call (518)694-3843 for more information.

Albany Capital Center
55 Eagle Street
Albany, NY 12207

Parking and Directions

Complimentary parking is available at the Albany Capital Center's Parking Garage. The Albany Capital Center’s parking garage is located beneath the facility. The garage is located at 7 Wendell Street, Albany, NY 12207. 

For more information on the event, please click here

A limited number of rooms are available at the Renaissance Albany Hotel at a discounted rate of $189 per night. Book your group rate online at the link here.

Cut-off date to book a room: Saturday, May 10, 2025

Other Downtown Albany lodging options can be found here.

These local chambers are hosting local competitions across New York State. 

• Greater Rochester Chamber
• Greater Utica Chamber
• Staten Island Chamber