The 2025 National Civics Bee Championship showcases 39 middle school finalists tackling pressing issues: Unknown 5360 (Iowa) proposes covering naturalization test costs (~$300) for Latino immigrants, Barrett Hoderick (Indiana) targets lake eutrophication with $400M+ economic stakes, Cameron Parker (Colorado) pitches a free emergency alert app after failures in Maui and Marshall fires, Eric Kuhl (Ohio) advocates for Medicaid expansion to insure 2.7 million Americans via public-private partnerships, and Ava Bogard (Kentucky) challenges felony disenfranchisement’s racial bias. Their solutions blend local action with systemic reform, proving civic engagement thrives when youth connect policy to lived experience. [Automatically generated summary]
Next, this year's National Civic Speed Championship.
In Washington, D.C., middle school students competed before judges, including former Veterans Affairs Secretary Jim Nicholson, who served in the George W. Bush administration, and former Clinton administration Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater.
The two and a half hour annual Civics Competition was hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Please welcome to the stage our emcee for the day, Mario Lopez.
Good morning, and welcome to the 2025 National Civic Speed Championship hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
My name is Mario Lopez.
Very, very excited to be here.
History has always been my favorite subject, so this is really, really cool.
And I will be your MC for the National Civic Speed Championship.
Now, whether you're watching virtually or you're here with us live in the nation's capital, thank you so much for being part of this event.
We are privileged to host 39 extraordinary finalists from across the country.
Students who are not just learning about civics, but who are actively leading with it.
They are the undeniable proof that the future of America is, in fact, very bright, capable, and driven.
Now, before we get started, we have to recognize the people who have made this possible first, and probably most importantly, the parents and the teachers.
You believed in these students?
unidentified
Yes, you coached them, and you helped them get to DC today.
And we also want to give a huge shout out to the partners who helped make all of this possible, our incredible local and state chambers of commerce, along with our university and nonprofit partners across the country.
They opened their doors, rallied their communities, and brought the National Civic Speed to life, giving thousands of middle schoolers a chance to discover their voices, their leadership, and their power as citizens.
To every partner who hosted a B, coached a student, recruited volunteers, or simply believed in this mission.
Thank you so much for helping these young leaders shine.
Let's give them a big round of applause.
And we also want to highlight that today is, of course, Veterans Day, a day to honor the bravery, sacrifice, and commitment of the men and women who have protected our freedoms.
And we cannot forget the military spouses and families, the ones who hold everything together when their loved ones serve far from home.
Their resilience and strength are a vital part of our nation's service to every veteran and every family who has ever shared in that sacrifice.
Thank you so much.
This celebration of civic leadership is only possible because of you.
So let's give a big round of applause for our veterans and the families who serve with them.
And of course, our tremendous congrats to our 39 civic superstars.
They didn't just stroll into this.
They earned this.
They identified urgent issues in their communities.
They wrote powerful essays with real solutions.
They mastered some seriously tough quiz questions, and they are proven problem solvers.
They are proof that America's best days are ahead.
So let's hear a championship level cheer for every finalist here.
With all that said, it is my honor to officially kick off the 2025 National Civic Speed Championship.
So let's get down to business.
Here is what the road to becoming a champion is going to look like.
There are four rounds of competition, and we'll be pushing them on civics knowledge, civics skills, civics disposition.
That's attitude and teamwork.
Yes, kindness counts.
And speaking of leadership, yesterday our finalists took a special journey through history.
They visited the incredible World War II Memorial.
That was very cool.
And the People's House.
They also completed round one, the team challenge.
Each team tackled the issue of access to technology and the digital divide, discussing solutions using founding principles, civic virtues, partnerships with leaders, businesses, and organizations.
And they had to agree on a civic-minded solution as a team.
In short, civics in action.
Now, while teams were hard at work, judges watched to see how each student contributed, collaborated, and communicated with respect and how each team worked together as a whole.
The teams presented their solutions to judge and were given both team and individual scores.
And guess what?
The finalists on the top two teams each took home $500.
So not a bad start right there.
And a huge congrats to all of our finalists, but we're just getting started.
We still have three rounds to go, and any one of our competitors could take home the big prize.
And in each round, points earned will be added to total scores, and the cumulative scorers will determine who moves to the next round.
And in the end, who will be our champion?
Now, before we begin round two, let's go ahead and meet our finalists.
Finalists, please come to the stage and state your name and your home state and give us your best future leader smile.
unidentified
Good morning.
I'm Lucas Gerard from Sweet Home, Alabama.
Hello, I'm Marielle Mendoza, representing the Last Frontier, Alaska.
Hi, I'm Johnston Lau, and I'm representing the state of Arizona.
Hi, I'm Abby Stokes, proudly representing the great state of Arkansas.
I'm Orlo Fravian, representing the Golden State of California.
Hi, everyone.
I'm Cameron Parker, and I'm representing Colorful Colorado.
Hello, everyone.
I'm Aurov Sahu, and I'm representing the Constitution site, Connecticut.
Hi, everyone.
I'm Noah Finkel, and I'm representing Florida.
Good morning, everyone.
I'm Caden, and I'm representing the Peach State, Georgia.
Aloha, my name is Riker Perales, representing the state of Hawaii.
Hello, everybody.
My name is Aisha, and I'm proudly representing the state of Illinois.
Hello, everyone.
I'm Barrett Hoderick, and I'm representing the state of Indiana.
Well, they're up.
Hello, everyone.
I'm Georgia Clark, proudly representing the field of opportunity of the state of Iowa.
Hi, everyone.
My name is Tanya Ramesh, and I'm proudly representing the great state of Kansas.
I'm Ava Bogard, representing the Bluegrass State of Kentucky.
Hello, everyone.
I'm Katya San Juan, and I'm representing Maryland.
Hi, everyone.
I'm Phoebe, and I'm representing Massachusetts, the Spirit of America.
Hello, I'm Ashley Tall, and I'm representing the state of Michigan.
Hi, everyone.
I'm Carly Matthews and I'm representing Mississippi Hill State.
Hi, I'm Connor Chips and I'm representing Missouri.
Hey everyone, my name is Daisy Doolittle and I'm representing the state of Montana.
Hello everyone, my name is Keith Lee and I'm representing the state of New Mexico.
Hey everybody, I'm Victoria Figuolia and I'm representing New York.
Hello everyone, my name is Clara and I'm representing the state of North Dakota.
Good morning everyone.
My name is Eric Kuhl and I'm representing the great state of Ohio at the heart of it all.
Good morning everyone.
I'm Elena Hakin and I'm representing the great state of Oklahoma.
Hello everyone, I'm Juniper Ward and I'm representing the state of Oregon.
Hello, I'm Millicent Godoy proudly representing the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Hello everyone, I'm Caroline and I'm representing the ocean state of Rhode Island.
Hello everyone, I'm Aramo Jamal and I'm proud to be representing the state of South Dakota.
Hi everyone, I'm Emmy Green and I'm representing the volunteer state of Tennessee.
Hi everyone, my name is Rishi and I'm going to be representing the Lone Star State of Texas.
Hello everyone, my name is Jake and I'm representing Utah.
Hello everyone, I'm Marshall May and I'm representing the brave little state of Vermont.
Hi everyone, my name is Neil Hahn.
I'm representing the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Hello everyone, I'm Monthana Sear and thrilled to represent the great state of Washington.
I'm Parker Smith and I'm representing the state of West Virginia.
Good morning everyone.
My name's Layla and I'm representing the state of Wisconsin.
Good morning, my name is Kaya Scott and I'm proud to be representing the great state of Wyoming.
Our finalists will take their places next door for round two, the quiz round, while they get set over there.
Let's talk about what to expect.
You're each going to watch from here as each finalist answers 10 multiple choice quiz questions.
It is the national championship, so these questions are going to be pretty tough.
You don't get off too easy.
But we want you all to play along here.
So please get out your personal device now and enter the URL slidewith.com slash ncb25 and select spectator to play along and please use your real name not your username.
If you're here in the crowd, you're also eligible for a prize.
The audience member with the most correct answer gets a gift card.
So that's cool.
You can go ahead and join right now.
All right, they're ready for me over there.
So while I move over there, please take a look at some support videos submitted by your finalists, families, friends, teachers, coaches, and loved ones back home.
unidentified
All the best for National Civics B, Tanya.
We love you and wish you all the best to our brilliant cousin.
Go get him.
Hey, Maddie, good luck at Civics B.
We wish you the best from the Jane Austen Literary Society.
And remember, if you get nervous, be like Lizzie and say, my courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me.
We love you.
Bye.
Good luck, Eric.
We're proud of you, Jake.
Good luck.
You got this.
We love you.
Hey, Corinne, it's your brother Leo.
I'm going to tell you what you should do with the Civics Video.
I would really hope you bring home the money.
I think you forgot to thank me, though.
Kind of still stuck here.
Yeah, good luck.
As Abraham Lincoln said, whatever you are, be a good one, Riker.
We're cheering for you, right?
We are so excited.
Go!
Go, Jake!
Jake!
Hey, we think you're awesome, and we wish you the very best of luck.
Grandpa and Grandpa, Grandpa and Grandma, Brenton are rooting for you.
About to do a video with all the kids and stuff, but we got to get back into this.
And listen, I just want to remind you: if you want to join and play along, slideswith.com/slash NCB25.
As a spectator, please join us.
Now, we are back officially, and we are ready for round two, the quiz round.
We're going to jump right into it.
Our finalists will answer questions about pivotal moments and ideas in American history from landmark Supreme Court decisions to core principles of our founding documents.
And at the end of 10 questions, we're going to combine their scores from round one in this round to narrow the field from 39 down to just 10 finalists.
Finalists?
All right, here's the deal.
You're each going to answer the same 10 questions.
All question and answer options will be read out loud.
After I finish reading the last answer option for each question, you'll have 20 seconds to choose your answer.
Two and a half points for each correct answer.
No penalties, so go ahead and take your best guess.
Incorrect answers and answers not submitted in time, get zero points.
Please note: once you've picked an answer to the question, that answer is final.
And yes, keep your eyes on your own tablet.
Of course, this is not group work.
If anything glitches, raise your hand right away.
We've got superhero tech support standing by.
Points from yesterday's round one will be added to your overall score.
And remember, the top 10 finalists with the highest cumulative scores will advance to round three.
Those of you who don't advance will join your families in the audience.
And I almost forgot the questions will get harder as we go, so please pay close attention.
All right, everyone ready?
Okay, let's take a deep breath, get the shoulders back.
This is it.
Let's do it.
Question number one: Which of the following best explains why equality under the law is essential in a constitutional democracy?
A, it ensures that the government can act quickly in times of crisis.
B, it allows elected officials to interpret laws based on personal beliefs.
C, it maintains public trust by protecting rights regardless of status or identity.
Or D, it allows the majority to create laws that benefit themselves the most.
It maintains public interest by protecting rights regardless of status or identity.
Next question.
Which president issued a presidential proclamation granting a full and unconditional pardon to his predecessor for any crimes he may have committed while in office?
A. Richard Nixon.
B. Ronald Reagan.
C. Jimmy Carter.
D. Gerald Ford.
D. Gerald Ford.
Next question.
Which 1887 law aimed to assimilate Native Americans by dividing tribal lands into individual plots and promoting private land ownership?
A. Dawes Act.
B. Homestead Act.
C. Indian Removal Act.
D. Indian Reorganization Act.
Dawes Act.
Next question.
Under the Articles of Confederation, how many votes did each state receive?
A. 1.
B. 2.
C. Equal to the number of representatives.
D.
unidentified
A formula tabulated to reflect the population, A-1.
What was the Supreme Court's holding in Munn versus Illinois 1877?
A.
It limited the federal government's ability to regulate interstate commerce.
B, it ruled that states could regulate private industries that affect the public interest.
C, it declared that government regulation of business violated property rights.
D, it struck down state laws setting maximum rates for grain storage.
B, it struck down state laws setting maximum rates for grain storage.
It ruled that states could regulate private industries that affect the public interest.
Next question, which of the following explains how President Grover Cleveland explained his veto of the Texas Seed Bill of 1887?
A, the bill did not provide enough funding and he returned it to Congress to give more money to farmers in need.
B, it was not the responsibility of the federal government to provide relief and instead thought it should be left to the state, local government and provide relief efforts.
C, it gave too much power to the state of Texas to collect taxes for farming funds and therefore violated the principle of federalism.
D. Sending funds to Texas would create an unequal distribution of federal money in violation of the Constitution.
The answer B.
It was not the responsibility of the federal government to provide relief and instead thought it should be left to the state, local government, and provide relief efforts.
Next question, which of the following statements best assesses how the founding principle of checks and balances relates to the War Powers Resolution of 1973?
A.
It gave the Supreme Court the ability to review the President's decisions as Commander-in-Chief to ensure they aligned with the Constitution.
B, it allows for Congress to take over duties of Commander-in-Chief should the President become incapacitated.
C, it set limits on how long the President could deploy troops without an authorization from Congress.
D, it authorizes the president to declare war if Congress is not in session and he deems it necessary.
The answer is C, it set limits on how long the president could deploy troops without an authorization from Congress.
Next question, how was George Washington's 1796 farewell address originally delivered to the American public?
A, as a formal speech delivered before Congress.
B, as a handwritten letter circulated among state legislatures.
C, as a printed essay published in newspapers nationwide, or D, as a proclamation read aloud by federal marshals in major cities?
The answer is C, as a printed essay published in newspapers nationwide.
Next question, which historical precedent most directly influenced the inclusion of the Third Amendment in the U.S. Constitution?
Was it A, the Statute of Westminster of 1275?
B, the Petition of Right of 1628, C, the Habeas Corpus Act of 1679, or D, the Magna Carta of 1215?
The answer is B, the Petition of Right of 1628.
Final question in Federalist number one, what did Alexander Hamilton describe as unique about the opportunity to establish the U.S. government under the Constitution?
Was it A, the government was being created out of deliberation and reflection, not by accident or force?
B, factions could be canceled out in the new large republic.
C, the constitutional government offered a combination of federal and national features.
Or D. Judicial review would be possible under a system of checks and balances.
The answer is A.
The government was being created out of deliberation and reflection, not by accident or force.
We're going to be taking a short break to tabulate the scores, and I will join the audience back in the Great Hall while we're waiting for the results to come in.
Let's watch some more messages from home for our finalists.
All right, welcome back, Civics fans.
That Chris round was pretty intense.
And yes, the questions did get harder along the way.
Finalists, take a breath.
You've earned it.
We have tallied the scores from rounds one and two.
That means we are about to reveal the top 10 who will move on to round three.
So, audience, let's hear you make some noise for all 39 finalists.
And now, here are our top 10 finalists who will advance.
Now, in this round, our finalists will give a three-minute pitch on the pressing issues they address in their entry essays and their innovative ideas for improving their communities.
This is where leadership meets action, the future gets real.
And then they're going to answer three questions from our judges with one minute to answer each question.
Quick reminder of the original essay question: identify a specific problem, challenge, or opportunity in your community.
What can you do to contribute to its improvement?
What individuals or organizations would you work with to accomplish your solutions?
And how does your solution include founding principles and civic virtues?
Judges will score finalists on understanding of civic principles and systems, clarity and effectiveness in delivery and responses, use of evidence, examples, and primary sources.
And at the end of the round, only five finalists will advance to the final challenge.
Audience, get ready to be blown away.
Finalists, take another deep breath.
This is your spotlight moment.
Let's meet our distinguished judges who will help us select the next National Civics champion.
We have Emily Brubreaker, 2024 National Civics B champion.
Secretary Jim Nicholson, former U.S. Secretary of Veterans Affairs.
Emma Bloomberg, CEO, Rumoration.
And Secretary Rodney Slater, Chair of the National Archives Foundation and former U.S. Secretary of Transportation.
One note: because Ahrit was a participant in the 2024 National Championship, Emily's score will not count towards Ahit's total.
Judges, thank you for bringing your expertise and enthusiasm.
All right, finalists, keep your eye on the countdown clock.
When that timer hits zero, you are done.
And I say that with love.
After each finalist finishes their pitch, I'm going to turn things over to the judges for the questions.
While the judges score, we're going to have a little quick get-to-know-you conversation.
No wrong answers there, finally.
And audience, please cheer them on.
This is Big, so let's kick things off with our first finalist called in No Particular Order.
Please welcome, Maddie.
unidentified
Good morning, everyone.
My name is Maddie Stokes.
I'm an eighth grader at Lincoln Junior High School in Bentonville, Arkansas, and I have identified a problem in my community.
Many small school districts don't have orchestras.
Orchestra.
When you hear this word, you probably think of a group of musicians.
And while this is true, what if I told you that it went much deeper than that?
That orchestra would be a way to not only create good citizens and foster equality, but also support confidence, bravery, teamwork, and even neurodevelopment.
I'll elaborate more on the benefits later, but let's talk about the funding.
This is one of the largest challenges of supporting an orchestra and the most likely reason why many schools don't have one.
My plan to address this challenge is by going to foundations that support this kind of program.
One example would be the Alice Walt Foundation, which is dedicated to increasing access to the arts.
Other ways to receive funding would be through private sponsorships, donations, and grants.
I estimate that I need about $60,000, which accounts for the average salary for music teachers in Arkansas, as well as a starting amount of instruments.
After the first year, I will reapply for the grants and seek additional funding to continue to support the orchestra.
My goal is to bring the program to one middle, junior, and high school in a span of five years.
My plan is to send a survey to willing schools to see how many students are interested, which will help me establish the highest predicted participation rate.
Now back to the benefits, starting with confidence.
Music House, a music teaching program, states that stepping into the role of a performer at a young age not only builds a foundation of bravery and ability to step up to the plate, but it also sets the stage for being able to appear in front of large groups as an adult.
Lastly, the neurological benefits are paramount.
One study by the National Institutes of Health comparing active control groups to a music training group has shown that orchestra supports earlier emergence in the adult cortical response and improvement in your literacy and phonological awareness.
This means that students are going to have better manipulation of language, receiving and processing visuals, and reading comprehension.
Now, I know you're all probably asking, Maddie, why would I promote this when there's so many other big issues out there?
And while there are other major issues, they are complex problems to complex solutions.
Orchestra is a simple solution to complex problems while also being actionable, affordable, and measurable.
It is our responsibility to spread equality, and I believe that through offering orchestra, we are giving students an equal opportunity to succeed.
Not only that, but we are giving them transferable skills that will help them succeed later in life.
And as Gustavo Denimo, a conductor of the New York Philharmonic Symphony, said, with an orchestra, you are building citizens, better citizens for our community.
And now to your first question from the judges, judges.
First question, please.
unidentified
Thank you for that amazing pitch.
My question is, if your solution involves government, which levels and specific officials would you reach out to to implement your solution?
That's a great question.
Thank you.
I think first I need to look at our local government and businesses in that.
So are there businesses that help provide instruments?
Are there businesses that help provide music?
And local officials for that.
Next would be state governments, so any state foundations that are interested in spreading equality and offering orchestra would be a great place to start.
Maddie, what role do you see that business might play in your solution?
Or might there be a public-private collaboration to benefit your goals?
Good question.
Thank you.
I think that a lot of local businesses that help support music, they might be able to fund instruments, they might be able to fund music, and they might be able to give some testimonials saying, like, This is such an amazing program, or this is such an amazing idea, and help me with that to promote it.
Envision a situation in which your loved one has a medical emergency in a rural area but lacks access to urgent care.
Did you know that an NIH study shows that approximately 3.6 million Americans in the United States skip or delay medical care annually due to transportation issues?
In my essay, I explored several solutions to improving health care access in rural communities, including telehealth, scholarships, and recruitment and retention initiatives.
But through further research, I realized that the deeper issue was not only the health care itself, but the ability to physically reach a hospital.
The problem inherent in the status quo is that the Kansas health care system is difficult to access due to transportation barriers in rural areas.
As a volunteer at the Robert J. Dole Veterans Hospital, I've met veterans who struggle to find reliable transportation from rural areas to our hospital.
Their stories remind us that health care access is not a privilege.
It's a civic responsibility.
That is why I propose a transportation program partnering with existing bus providers and hospitals to transport rural residents to hospitals in urban areas of Kansas.
To uphold equality, a referral system through clinics, senior centers, and health departments can identify patients needing consistent access to urban hospitals for dialysis, cancer treatment, or specialist care.
Some may argue that allocating resources for a transportation program like this may not be the most effective use of funding.
But without reliable transportation, even the highest quality health care remains inaccessible for many rural Kansans.
This journey began when I reached out to Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who then connected me with the Office of Rural Prosperity.
Since then, I have spoken about my proposal with and received letters of support from a wide range of stakeholders across the state, including representatives from the Sunfire Foundation, Greeley County Health Services, and the WSU Community Engagement Institute.
I am now in active discussion with St. Catharines Hospital in Garden City, Kansas and other regional stakeholders to secure a partnership.
Together, we aim to develop a budget and apply for a grant to fund a one-year pilot bus route connecting Garden City hospitals to surrounding southwestern Kansas counties, over 15 of which currently have zero public transportation to health care facilities.
My proposal reflects the civic virtues of responsibility and humility by acknowledging our shared duty to care for one another while also upholding the founding principles of equality and natural rights set forth in the Declaration of Independence.
By ensuring rural Kansans have equal access to health care, we are protecting the unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness so that every Kansan, regardless of location, has the opportunity to live a healthy, fulfilling life.
Can you talk a bit more about the public-private partnership opportunities there and how you might be able to get business and nonprofits to work together?
Businesses can play a direct role in supporting and investing in my program by sponsoring the buses or contributing funds in exchange for advertising on the vehicles.
I could also partner with local bus companies like Phiney County Transit to provide the vehicles and drivers needed for the routes.
Beyond businesses, both private foundations like the Sunfire Foundation and public foundations like the Kansas Department of Transportation are interested in funding my proposal.
Additionally, Greeley County Health Services, a public organization, is prepared to support my program by sharing patient transportation needs, referring patients who would benefit, and assisting with outreach and coordination.
At the federal level, I am advocating for the Rural Emergency Hospital Adjustment Act, which would allow previously closed hospitals to reopen, making transportation programs like mine more effective.
At the state level, the Kansas Department of Transportation have expressed interest in providing funding for my proposal.
I have also spoken with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, who then connected me with the Office of Rural Prosperity to provide guidance and garner connections.
The 10th Amendment reserves powers not delegated to the federal government to the states, which is why a solution implemented through Kansas hospitals and foundations can directly address rural health care challenges where state resources and local partnerships are most effective.
At the local level, county commissioners and city officials in southwestern Kansas counties can assist with outreach and integration with existing services.
If granted $5,000, I would allocate the funds to directly support the implementation of my pilot transportation program connecting Garden City hospitals to surrounding southwestern Kansas counties, most of which currently have no public transit to health care facilities.
The majority of the funds would go towards operational costs such as fuel subsidies, driver compensation, and maintenance support for partnering bus providers.
A portion would also cover community outreach and coordination, including working with local clinics, senior centers, and health departments to help identify patients who need consistent access to care.
Finally, a small amount would be allocated for data collection and evaluation so we can track ridership, cost-effectiveness, and patient outcomes to strengthen future grant applications.
I'm going to ask you the same question I asked Maddie, too.
If you could meet one historical leader or figure, who would you choose?
unidentified
Probably Henry Clay.
He was like one of a great compromiser, so he was like an arbiter, and like many of the compromises in U.S. history, like the Missouri Compromise and other compromises, so he was able to bring together two different political parties, different opposing views.
Do you have a favorite civics fact that you learned while preparing?
unidentified
I think I do.
I just can't think of one.
But I mean, I think just learning about everything in U.S. history and how one thing connects to the next and how it's all led us up to the current democracy that we have, it's all really cool and inspiring.
Oh, yeah, that's ooh, that's hanging in there by a thread.
There we go.
We got that.
Please help me welcome Katya.
unidentified
What would you do if you had a serious illness, but the medication you relied on to keep your life in balance was suddenly discontinued?
My four-year-old brother has type 1 diabetes.
Every day, my parents constantly battle to keep his blood sugars in control.
He needs several insulin shots per day, and every dose requires careful calculation.
In 2024, Levomir, one of the crucial insulins he relies on, was discontinued in the U.S. My family isn't the only one struggling.
According to a 2024 GoodRX survey, 26% of Americans are unable to access their medications due to drug shortages.
Type 1 diabetes is a chronic autoimmune disease that makes the pancreas unable to produce insulin.
Basil or background insulins are important for keeping their blood sugars steady throughout the day.
Levomir is a type of basal insulin, especially significant for children, athletes, and pregnant women, as it has a shorter action profile and is the only dilutable basal insulin.
Of the three basils, levomir is also the only FDA approved for pregnancy.
Levomir was discontinued in the U.S. in 2024, leaving thousands of diabetics struggling to access safe alternatives.
Many cannot afford insulin pumps, and other basal insulins may not be safe or effective for their bodies.
To provide the necessary alternative, I propose that the FDA take additional steps to further the production of a biosimilar version of Levomir.
We can partner with advocacy organizations such as the Alliance to Protect Insulin Choice, who is already working to promote access to Levomir and help our bio, a biotech company, bring a biosimilar of Levomir to market.
Producing a biosimilar according to FDA regulations would be an enormous undertaking requiring $20 million.
So our bio would need government support.
Citizens should petition Congress and the Department of Health and Human Services to fund this effort.
If we bring a biosimilar to market, it'll not only impact diabetics in the present, but also set a precedent for future drug shortages.
It is our civic duty and responsibility to show respect for everyone in our diabetic community by fighting for their right to access safe alternatives.
Access to life-saving medications is integral to our inalienable right to life.
By working together to bring Levomir back, we can change lives, especially for those like my little brother, who are counting on us to fix this.
Kate, would you identify some of the nonprofit organizations in your community or educational institutions or advocacy organizations that could be harnessed to collaborate with you to bring about the solution to your problem?
I think the federal government's help is essential to making my solution successful because what they can do is Congress can help provide grants for our bio to help them get the biosimilar to market.
And also the Food and Drug Administration, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, can classify Levomir as a drug inshortage.
And if they did that, then they would be able to take additional steps to bring it to the market, like they did with the penicillin shortage back in 2024.
I would lobby them to help us.
And I can do that by, I've already called them and emailed them.
And I would encourage everybody else to do the same.
And what inspired you to kind of choose being in this particular competition and being willing to put in the time and effort to participate in something like this?
unidentified
So my older sister, she participated in the very first Civic Spee in Maryland.
So because of that, I've kind of followed in her footsteps.
Did you know that 82 million voters did not cast a ballot?
In Texas, the turnout was formidable at around 50%, yet millions of voices were still left unheard.
Why?
Because of long lines, lack of ballot supplies, confusing rules, and not knowing how to register.
Mainly, many voters felt like their vote doesn't matter, but it does.
Here's how we fix it.
I'm proposing a voter access initiative that makes voting fair, faster, and easier.
It starts in Katie, but can be scaled nationwide in the future.
First, the creation of a real-time system that facilitates the incorporation of Texas DPS and county election officials data can help with the data integration of the system and ensure that the voter registration info is accurate.
Second, the creation of a mobile-friendly app can help voters find faster spots to vote and can also help the voter find their polling place in an easier way.
And then the app will also include features such as multilingual and offline access.
So, third, we'll spread the word by collaborating with local organizations such as the Katie Chamber of Commerce, libraries, schools, and community groups.
We can ensure that every voter is empowered to cast their vote on Election Day.
This can be done through mock elections, voter registration drives, voter education events, and civic workshops.
With over 300,000 high school seniors graduating from Texas schools each year, schools are a critical place to start.
This isn't just like technology fix, it's a civic investment.
By ensuring the transparency and accessibility of the voting system, my initiative represents the founding principle of the consent of the governed, which says that the power of the government comes from the people and the civic virtue of responsibility, which says that it's the responsibility of the citizens to do their duties.
Finally, as President FDR once said, nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves.
And the only way they can do that is by not voting.
Let's make sure every eligible voter can take part in the American democracy.
I think businesses can play a vital role in my voter access initiative.
Businesses could host voter registration kiosks or QR code stations in high-traffic areas and urban areas.
They can also help sponsor outreach events by helping with printing, hosting venues, and etc.
And they can also promote civic engagement by using storefront signage.
Some types of businesses that can play a role are tech companies and internet providers.
Okay, and also the Civic Impact Award would be great to incentivize businesses to take part in the initiative.
And by encouraging businesses to take part, it helps with public-private partnership because it builds community trust and brings recognition to the businesses and also benefits the voters because they see the businesses as allies in democracy.
You mentioned different government and private organizations that you could collaborate with to get to your solution.
And I was wondering if you could expand on those that you mentioned or identify some other ones that would help with your goal.
Yes, definitely.
I can identify some organizations.
So at the local level, city officials and community leaders are the people I'm trying to reach out to.
And they can help with outreach and logistics.
Right now, I'm working with my local chamber to reach to these officials.
At the county level, registration offices of the Harris and Fort Bend County can help with data integration and the coordination between different polling places in their county.
And at the state level, support from our representatives to pass legislation is also vital.
And initiatives like these, there's data sharing between these government organizations.
So that's why you need to pass the legislation to ensure compliance with election laws.
So that's why I reached out to my representatives.
And then some nonprofits that could play a role in my initiative is the League of Women Voters, the Texas Civil Rights Project, local schools and universities, and Common Cause Texas.
Rashid, if you were given $5,000, could that help you in working towards the solution that you've identified?
Yes, definitely.
A $5,000 grant would be vital.
So if I were to receive a $5,000 grand, 50% of it would go towards the development of my real-time system.
It can build like the, we're going to start building the framework to connect DPS and county election official databases.
And then also it could go towards hiring a tech consultant who can ensure that the app is secure and it maintains integrity of the voters.
And then second, outreach campaigns.
They can also put flyers, posters, toolkits for civic workshops and also engage through the voters through social media.
And then the outreach, they can host mock elections to help voters be prepared, registration drives to encourage voters that aren't as motivated, and civic workshops.
And then the rest of the thousand would go towards building the app and conducting basic testing to ensure accessibility.
Do you have a favorite civics fact that you learned in preparing for this?
unidentified
There's like so many civics facts.
If I were to pick one, if I were to pick one, I would probably say my favorite fact was when I learned about how the Congress works, because it's really fascinating that the founders came up with this bicameral legislator and the way they divided it and how it's still standing, showing how futuristic the founders were thinking.
Please help me welcome Mana to the stage whenever you're ready.
unidentified
Picture yourself flipping a coin.
Heads, you get a school that launches you to college.
Tails, you're stuck in one that fails you.
That coin shouldn't decide your future, yet in Washington state, it often does.
According to the 2024 Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee, some schools in my state spend $12,000 per student each year.
Others spend over $30,000.
The difference isn't in student needs or goals.
Rather, it's property value.
Because our funding system is tied to property taxes, every day hundreds of students, myself included, sit in overcrowded classrooms struggling to meet basic needs, while others living just miles away thrive in well-funded schools.
A silent crisis dividing children by nothing more than mere lines on a map.
Born of 19th century tax codes and deepened by redlining and zoning laws, our system still finances privilege instead of promise.
It's a harsh reality that violates the constitutional promise enshrined in the Equal Protection Clause that every person deserves the same shot at success.
Good morning, everyone.
Distinguished judges, if we market the American dream, we must be equipped to fulfill it.
And while the 2011 McCleary decision pushed billions in funding, inequality remains.
So how do we fix what court orders alone couldn't?
I've designed a proposal called the Washington Initiative for Student Equity, or Project WISE, a voluntary, state-run fund that distributes levy surplus dollars from high-revenue school districts and private donor contributions, then strategically reinvests in underfunded schools for high-impact improvement projects.
In return, participants receive corporate-style tax credits, public recognition, and PR branding.
If just 10 of our top earning districts each redirected 2% of their levy surpluses, Washington could generate over $50 million annually, enough to fund counseling or tech upgrades for every underserved school in two counties.
Although my solution is only a fraction of the many modifications needed, upholding equality and civic responsibility means making the changes necessary to build a fairer funding model, one that begins in my state but can inspire reform nationwide.
Project-wise relies on a simple truth.
When equality of opportunity is uneven, democracy itself is unfinished.
We have flipped this coin for far too long.
It's time to stop gambling with potential and give every child a fair shot at a brighter future.
Okay, so I believe that education is the civil rights issue of our time, but it's also the economic one.
The American Psychological Association says that students from low socioeconomic statuses struggle with poor cognitive development, language, memory, socio-emotional processing, and eventually low income and health in adulthood.
Under the Commerce Clause, Congress regulates interstate activity that affects commerce.
So businesses realize that by investing in education, they are investing in a stronger workforce that will, whether monetarily or otherwise, they are helping to build a workforce that will contribute more in taxes, create more innovation, and also go into higher-paying jobs.
So this lift spreads far beyond just one district through business and nonprofit investment.
Well, that's an exciting question because I've already taken steps towards this by discussing my solution with the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and with education-focused nonprofits.
Going forward, I'd collaborate with nonprofits like the Alliance for Education, Treehouse, and the Gates Foundation, which already support education initiatives within my school.
I'd also involve a community advisory network, staying close to people, and it's comprised of parents, educators, and students, just so that we can make sure the resources meet real needs.
Transparency is pivotal to my initiative, and I believe that education and education and equality should represent the voice of we, the people, including students.
The problem you're trying to solve requires changing how massive amounts of dollars are allocated.
What would you do with just $5,000 if someone gave you that as a seed grant?
Okay, great question, and I'm going to break it down for you.
$3,000 would go towards a pilot campaign awareness, and it will include social media, student-led presentations, explaining project-wise, and community forums.
$1,000 would go towards building an online transparency platform which tracks impact so that we have something to show the lawmakers and donors or else they won't believe us.
And then there's the last $1,000, which will go towards community surveys to make sure, again, that we are staying accountable and the resources meet real needs.
I am Georgia Clark, and I live in a small town called West Liberty.
69 out of Iowa's 99 counties have been reporting decreasing populations in their rural areas.
But West Liberty is different.
Our population has been increasing because of our growing number of Latino residents.
This leads us to an opportunity in my community, ensuring that my town's legal residents all have the ability to become naturalized U.S. citizens.
Aristotle and Alexis de Tocqueville both believed that community and associations are vital to maintaining healthy societies.
And naturalized citizens are more likely to become home and business owners that strengthen our community.
I am proposing to form an organization that can help our locals prepare for the naturalization test, which is a challenging multi-stage quiz.
My organization will need lots of physical and monetary support.
Luckily, my community is full of helpful organizations and volunteers.
Student organizations such as FFA, NHS, Interact Club, Student Council, and educators in our school district could help prepare test takers by tutoring them and providing child care.
As one of the biggest obstacles facing test takers is finding time to study and attend classes while also working long hours and caring for their families.
Other organizations that could help include the Rotary Club, West Liberty Chamber of Commerce, and LULAC.
Since it costs over $700 to take the naturalization test, LULAC cuts that cost by over half so that test takers only have to pay around $300 to take the naturalization test.
My organization demonstrates the founding principle of consent of the governed because our government relies on citizens for its power.
As Theodore Roosevelt said in his Men in the Arena speech, the average be a good citizen if our republics are to succeed.
The stream will not permanently rise higher than the main source.
And the main source of national power and national greatness comes from the average citizenship of the nation.
My organization also touches on the civic virtues of respect and responsibility as we work to make our community, our country, and our world a better place.
Starting with the town of West Liberty.
Finally, I would like to leave you with a message from Rolla Reagan in his last speech as president.
We lead the world because, unique among nations, we draw our people, our strength, from every country and every corner of the world.
And by doing so, we continuously renew and enrich our nation.
Thanks to each new wave of arrivals to this land of opportunity, we are a nation forever young, forever bursting with energy and new ideas.
This quality is vital to our future as a nation.
If we ever close the door to new Americans, our leadership in the world would soon be lost.
Could you talk a little bit about how you plan to engage with government to make this happen?
So this organization was meant to be community-based.
You know, it was meant for the community to help our citizens and our legal residents.
And I think if we were to ever involve any government, the highest level would probably be our House of Representatives, as they are, you know, one of the closest levels to the people and to our communities.
I think we could use them for government support, as they could maybe provide more funding and also promote organizations like the one that I am proposing to form.
But really, this is meant to be community-driven and a small grassroots effort to help everybody in our local communities.
Recognizing that it would take some funding to help your advocacy, if you were given $5,000 for that purpose, how would you use it?
If my organization was given $5,000, I think that we would probably use it mainly almost like a scholarship, like what LULAC does to help people pay for the naturalization test.
Since many of the materials that we need, we can mainly pay for easily or find in our local school districts.
I think we could use it to help pay for the other half of the naturalization test, partnering up with LULAC so that we could pay the additional $300 that people need to take the test, as it is a big monetary barrier since not many people can just go around spending $300.
Are there other governmental officials or levels that might be engaged as well?
I mean, I think we could definitely engage our town government.
So, you know, like our school boards and our city councils.
But again, I really don't think it should be super high levels of government that could be using this because it's more for the community.
You know, people, they're more trusting in the community.
I feel like it'd be easier to use local efforts since using the government can get difficult for people because of transportation, language barriers, and also barriers with access to internet and phones.
So I think it's definitely better to keep it small and local as opposed to large and with the federal government.
I've been asking people if you can meet one historical figure.
unidentified
Who would it be?
I think I would probably meet George Washington because, well, my namesake didn't come from the state or the country.
It actually came from George Washington because my mom is a history teacher and a Madison fellow and she's really into history and she absolutely loves George Washington.
And so do I.
So I think I would meet him because he's such a great man, you know, filled with humility and respect and honor for our country.
Just her, but I also know that many members of our community in West Liberty are listening in and same with several of my family members in Ohio and Iowa.
My name is Barrett Hoderick, and I'm from Casiasco County in Indiana.
The topic I chose to write about is the importance of keeping our lakes clean, because lake health impacts not only our environment, but also our health, economy, and future.
Lake health is a national issue, but it's especially important to my county, which leads our state in total inland water area.
I want you to imagine living in an area that relies on a lake as a source of tap water.
One morning, you awake to urgent warnings not to drink or use this tap water as it has been infested with harmful toxins.
This was the case in Toledo, Ohio, when algae blooms in nearby Lake Erie made it so that half a million people went without access to clean tap water for nearly three days.
In addition to potentially impacting drinking water, lake health has a huge impact on a community's economy.
For example, lakes drive in over $313 million each year for my county, according to a 2016 study done by the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams.
Adjusted for inflation, this number climbs to over $400 million today.
This study also notes that improving lake health can boost this number considerably, while poor lake health could cost our community tens of millions of dollars.
The main cause of this poor lake health is a process called eutrophication, which is when excess nitrogen and phosphorus make their way to lakes.
And that eutrophication usually happens because of agricultural runoff, which is when rainwater washes fertilizers into streams and those nutrients make their way to lakes.
Another way lake health can be harmed is from pet waste or leaky septic systems.
These add to nutrient pollution and can also introduce E. coli to the water.
My solution to these issues involves working with farmers to adopt best management practices.
These include cover crops, buffer strips, and no-till.
These practices not only save millions for communities, they benefit farmers by recycling nutrients so they don't have to buy as much fertilizer each year.
Other citizens can get involved as well by planting native plants, maintaining their septic systems, and picking up their pets' poop.
By combining the efforts of farmers and everyday citizens, communities can significantly reduce nutrient pollution and protect their lakes.
Clean water isn't just a matter of environmental stewardship.
It embodies the civic virtue of responsibility.
Everyone has a civic duty to pitch in and keep their lakes clean and safe.
It also represents the founding principle of natural rights.
Everyone has a right to an environment that supports their health and well-being.
Government has and will continue to be a driving force in this issue.
For example, the Clean Water Act was passed in 1972 and it regulates the pollutants entering our lakes.
One of the nonprofits in my area I was able to speak to said that they regularly apply for state and federal grants and these grants are able to exist because of that Clean Water Act.
And what these grants do is they help farmers implement best management practices, which helps lake health.
Also, when I attended the Indiana Water Summit in August, I listened to state legislators talk about the bills they wrote that enhance water quality every day in our state.
State legislators could also play a crucial role in addressing this issue.
I would partner with nonprofit groups in my community, such as the Lilly Center for Lakes and Streams and the Watershed Foundation, whose leadership I've had the opportunity to meet.
With these organizations, I would facilitate a field demonstration, and this would show local farmers the benefits of best management practices on their crops.
I could also partner with the before mentioned organizations and coordinate a field study.
This would show the positive effects of best management practices as well.
These studies would help convince farmers to implement these best management practices, therefore benefiting my Clean Lakes mission.
Businesses would play a crucial role in my solution by spreading awareness about actions that everyday citizens can take to protect their lakes.
Lake-related businesses like lakeside retail shops and lakeside restaurants benefit greatly from their proximity to the water and therefore would be very incentivized to partner with me to raise awareness for lake water quality.
For example, I have created a flyer that showcases actions community members can take to get involved and protect their lakes.
I would distribute these flyers to lake-related businesses in my area and ask them to display these flyers as well as handing them out at the point of purchase.
This would help more people know what to do because these lake-related businesses are in popular public places.
Next, please help me welcome Cameron to the stage.
Whenever you're ready, Cameron.
unidentified
11,000 people were evacuated from the Maui fires.
40,000 from the Colorado Marshall fires.
Almost 180,000 people were evacuated from the LA fires.
These people were evacuated for their safety.
But what if I told you that of these hundreds of thousands of people, many did not receive the evacuation alerts at all?
Hi, I'm Cameron Parker, and this is a major problem.
So why didn't so many people get these life-saving alerts?
There are a few reasons.
Sometimes, a wireless carrier doesn't support government alerts.
Other times, even when your carrier supports them, they don't get through to your phone.
In the Marshall fires of my home state of Colorado, my dad was alerted of the fires through a call with this colleague, not an official alert.
If not for that call, you may have been inside his house when the fires came close.
This is a critical gap in our emergency services infrastructure.
When we assume that we'll get alerts, but then don't, we aren't prepared for fires.
In 2021, thousands of people used news or social media to get this life-saving information in the Marshall fires.
The firefighters went door to door, alerting and evacuating people instead of fighting a fast-growing fire.
This problem must be solved.
So I thought of a solution, a free app that connects people's phones directly to emergency services.
If installed, this app would allow anyone, no matter the circumstances, get alerts.
What I like about this app the most is how versatile it could be.
It could be used for disasters from floods to tornadoes, not just wildfires.
You may be wondering how I plan to get support for this app.
I would work with other organizations, nonprofits, services, and more to gain support for my app.
For example, working with the Federal Communications Commission, which regulates all communication across America, would allow my app to connect with anyone it needs to.
And support isn't far away for this app.
I have already talked to governors, Colorado Senate President Coleman, and leaders such as Lisa Amaya of the National Emergency Management and Response to gain support for my app.
Gaining support and awareness for this app isn't just a matter of convenience.
It's a matter of justice and safety.
The impacts of this app go beyond communication.
It supports the core values of our nation.
This supports your right to security, given under the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Your right to life, given under the Declaration of Independence.
This supports equality.
This supports prudence.
This supports the idea of our government as a whole to protect the citizens, we, the people.
Let's not rely on phone calls and Facebook to ensure our safety.
Yes, Cameron, clearly this kind of effort will take a lot of resources and a lot of efforts by organizations.
But if you were given, say, a small amount of $5,000, how might you use that to begin the effort of building the momentum that you know you need to achieve this end?
First of all, and most importantly for me, I would give a total of $0 to me or any other employees that would work voluntarily so that this app works and not the people until we get the app started.
Then I would allocate as much money as I could to app development.
An app that isn't useful is useless.
Then I would use the rest to gain public support for my app.
For example, I would use social media or news to get support of my app to spread to as many people as possible.
I would work with other businesses that would help me gain support in terms of money for my app.
And I think businesses would be really interested in investing in this app because there are some problems that arise for them when there are fires.
For example, in the Marshall fires, multiple businesses, including Excel Energy and life insurance agencies, are currently facing lawsuits for the fires and why they started.
Cameron, could you identify more specifically what non-profits and community organizations that you might enlist in a collaboration to assist in the solution of this?
Time starts now.
So I talked about it a little bit, but for example, Excel Energy, they're currently facing that lawsuit because they possibly started the fire.
I think working with them would allow my app to gain funding from them.
I would also work with the National Emergency Management and Response Team.
They're in charge of managing what happens if there's a wildfire or a disaster and how the support gets out to the people.
I'm going to break away here and take you live to Florida, where Trump administration officials are speaking to reporters following their meeting with Ukrainian representatives.
All right, and I apologize because I'm pressed for time.
I think we both are, but I just wanted to update you.
We had another very productive session building off Geneva, building off the events of this week.
As I told you earlier this morning, our goal here is to end the war.
But it's more than just to end the war.
We don't just want to end the war.
We also want to help Ukraine be safe forever, so never again will they face another invasion.
And equally importantly, we want them to enter an age of true prosperity.
We want the Ukrainian people to emerge from this war, not just to rebuild their country, but to build it back in a way that will be stronger and more prosperous than it's ever been.
And so this is comprehensive what we're working on here today.
It's not just about the terms that end fighting.
It's about also the terms that set up Ukraine for long-term prosperity.
I thought we started laying the groundwork for that, most certainly in Geneva.
I think we continued that work in our communications throughout the week.
I think we built on that again today, but there's more work to be done.
This is delicate.
It's complicated.
There are a lot of moving parts, and obviously there's another party involved here that will have to be a part of the equation.
And that'll continue later this week when Mr. Witkopf travels to Moscow.
Although we've also been in touch in varying degrees with the Russian side, but we have a pretty good understanding of their views as well.
So much work remains, but today was again a very productive and useful session where I think additional progress was made.
And we continue to be realistic about how difficult this is, but optimistic, particularly given the fact that as we've made progress, I think there is a shared vision here that this is not just about ending the war, which is very important.
It is about securing Ukraine's future, a future that we hope will be more prosperous than it's ever been.
unidentified
Once again, we are grateful to the American people, American leadership, and the great team with State Secretary Steve Vitkov, Jared Kushner, for their tremendous work with us.
Our objective is a prosperous, strong Ukraine.
We were discussing the future of Ukraine.
We discussed all the important matters that are important for Ukraine, for Ukrainian people, and the U.S. was super supportive.
We worked.
We already had a successful meeting in Geneva, and today we continue this success.
So at the moment, this meeting was productive and successful.
On the later stages, hopefully, we will keep you updated.
We have to go to the United States up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, this could include 2.7 million new people and give them coverage.
While some individuals might suggest that this is too unaffordable for states, 90% of expansion costs are covered by the federal government, and the remaining 10% can be contributed toward by non-profit organizations.
Furthermore, a government-sponsored public insurance option directly in competition with private will be successful in fostering competition and reducing prices.
While critics may assert that this gives government too much influence, this provides government with the necessary leverage to negotiate prices effectively, creating a multiplayer system that is aligned with the American principle of free business and free enterprise.
To make these solutions a reality, I would collaborate with the American Cancer Society, AARP, etc.
I would work with members of Congress to introduce legislation and then with executive departments to ensure they're appropriately implemented.
In fact, I'm currently in the process of contacting my federal representative to discuss this vital issue.
But most importantly, the support of and the voice of the people is required to persuade government to take action and create meaningful change.
These solutions align with the founding principle of natural rights by their protection of the unalienable rights of life and the pursuit of happiness for all Americans.
The civic virtue of respect is shown by their consideration for the needs of Americans across the country, while responsibility is highlighted by their aim to ensure the general welfare and the public good despite challenges.
Today, on Veterans Day, I would like to take a moment to thank veterans and active duty service members for their service.
I urge everyone here today to set aside partisan differences and political views and stand united, coming together to bring about meaningful change and end this medical plight of many Americans across the country.
My question is, what specific elected officials would you consult to introduce legislation in federal, state, or local government?
Thank you for the question.
So at the local level, I live in a township, so the trustees and the county health department would be some people to definitely collaborate with.
Charitable foundations really play a big role in giving medical access to many people in my community.
At the state level, my state representative and state senator, Mrs. Jane Timken, would be someone I could contact and have them encourage more efforts at the state level.
And the federal level is most crucial with Congress.
And like I said, I'm currently in the process of contacting my federal representative, Mrs. Amelia Sykes, and then maybe future senators in the future.
You mentioned a number of public sector outreach efforts.
What about the business community, and might there be some opportunity for public-private collaboration and partnership in dealing with this issue as well?
Thank you for that question.
Thank you for that question.
So there's a number of things that can be done to partner with the private industry.
We could work with insurance companies to ensure more price transparency and expanded coverage, particularly in underdeveloped communities and areas.
Tech companies can play a role in using and leveraging artificial intelligence to create more effective systems that lower administrative costs and doesn't require high payments and medical errors for the consumers.
Nonprofit organizations, like I said, can assist with funding at the state level and take off some of that financial burden from state governments because a lot of them have other projects and initiatives that they must direct money towards.
You've described an immense problem, but if someone came along and granted you $5,000 to assist with this, how would you employ that?
Considering that the United States spends 18% of its GDP, which is about $29,30 trillion, $5,000 wouldn't be really significant to take an action at the national level.
However, I do believe that those $5,000 can be used at the local level to generate flyers, brochures, billboards, campaigns, public forums, et cetera, to really change public opinion.
We live in a society with a government that is by the people and for the people, and a shift in public opinion and a grassroots movement inspired by the advocacy that those $5,000 would be able to generate would be really crucial in encouraging elected members and the government to take action in the interest for Americans across the country.
So a township, simply put, is different from a city because it doesn't have a mayor and a mayoral council, but rather trustees and things of that sort.
To deny any citizen the right to vote is to deny democracy itself.
These powerful words from John Lewis remind us that our democracy depends on full participation.
Yet today, in the U.S., millions of citizens remain unheard.
According to the Sentencing Project, about 4 million Americans are disenfranchised because of felony convictions.
This is driven by extremely harsh state laws, including lifetime voting bans in some states.
In fact, six states block more than one in 20 of their citizens from voting.
This troubling reality strikes at the heart of our democracy.
Voting is a promise of equality and representation, and expanding it brings America closer to its founding ideals.
Today's severe policy is part of a pattern that began long ago.
From slavery to Jim Crow to modern bias, our justice system has long targeted communities of color.
After the Civil War, lawmakers used mass incarceration and disenfranchisement to silence newly freed black voices.
Although some view the modern policy is neutral, it still reflects deep racial bias.
According to a 2024 study by the Sentencing Project, nearly 5% of all voting-age black Americans can't vote to define convictions.
In Tennessee, the most extreme case, this number reaches 17% or one in six.
Evidently, felony disenfranchisement has weakened the potential black electorate, undermining a crucial voice in our democracy.
Beyond the historical injustice, we must consider what this policy means for the individuals affected.
Even after serving their time, millions face discrimination, social stigma, and exclusion from basic rats like voting.
These collateral consequences can be the most detrimental aspect of a criminal conviction, making it nearly impossible for ex-offenders to reintegrate society.
Ending felon disenfranchisement can be the first step in breaking the cycle that leads people back to prison.
Restoring voting rights gives people the power to change their situation and invest in a new future.
Their success is society's success.
Lowered recidivism means reducing crime, saving tax dollars, and strengthening the workforce.
Clearly, restoring voting rights isn't only about justice, but also about building stronger communities in our states.
In the states with the harshest disenfranchisement laws, like my home state of Kentucky, meaningful reform is possible.
Citizens can contact the legislators like I have, or partner with civil rights organizations working on these issues.
Momentum is building nationwide, with states such as Tennessee, Nebraska, and Minnesota working to restore voting rights to citizens returning to society, showing that progress happens when citizens speak up.
By advancing these efforts in states with the most restrictive policies, we can begin to repair historical injustices, strengthen democracy, and ensure that more Americans have a voice in their government and their own futures.
$5,000 can go a long way in helping restore voting rights to people with felony convictions.
Strategic ways to use it would include supporting organizations working to restore rights such as the Sentencing Project, the Campaign Legal Center's Restory Vote Initiative, or state and local organizations such as the League of Women Voters, Florida Rights Restoration Coalition, or Kentuckians for the Commonwealth.
Other ways to use this $5,000 could include funding a petition drive or public letter campaign urging legislators to make voting reform.
Also, partnering with a local aid group to cover fees, fines, or court costs that stop people from voting.
And lastly, raising public awareness by creating informational videos or a social media campaign highlighting stories of people denied the vote after prison.
What role do you see for business or a public-private collaboration in trying to bring about a solution to your problem?
Businesses can play a major role in driving reform.
They can lobby for reform at both the federal and state levels, partner with coalitions like the Second Chance Business Coalition and National Voting and Prison Coalition for large employers, or for small employers at the local level, Kentuckians for the Commonwealth in my state.
Also, businesses can sponsor awareness campaigns highlighting how civic integration strengthens communities and the workforce.
Also, internally, businesses can reinforce these values through fair trans hiring and voter education.
Nonprofits already play a major role in helping restore voting rights to people with felony convictions.
Strategic ways that the nonprofits do this include lobbying state and federal legislatures, educating lawmakers and the public, conducting studies, polls, and research to provide statistics and other relevant info, providing direct assistance to voters and people reintegrating into society.
In short, nonprofits amplify voices, mobilize communities, and supplied the resources needed to drive systemic change.
These nonprofits include the Sensing Project, American Civil Liberties Union, League of Women Voters, NAACP, Brennan Center for Justice, and also state organizations such as Kentuckians for the Commonwealth in my state.
I have seen this issue arise again and again in my state legislature and my morals teach me to believe in second chances and respecting others so that's why I chose to support this issue.
Your ideas, passion, leadership, really inspiring.
We're going to be tabulating the scores.
And while we do that, I'd like to introduce Hillary Crowe, Vice President of Civics here at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
unidentified
Hillary.
What an incredible morning it has been.
To our top 10 finalists that just came up here, we are so proud.
We can hear the applause backstage.
We're so proud of the poise, the preparation, and the passion that they brought to round three.
We are incredibly proud of them.
And not just those here in this room, but to everybody watching on YouTube and on cspan.org, hello, welcome to the National CivicsP.
And while we wait for the announcement of who will be moving on to the final challenge, I want to thank many people who helped make today's championship possible.
First, our local and state chamber partners.
Could each of you stand?
I see Beth from Kentucky.
I want all of our partners to stand up and get a round of applause.
All those people that just stood up, they are the backbone of this composition.
From hosting local bees to mentoring students to building community support back home, they are what brings the National Civics Bee to life in towns and cities all across our country.
Thank you.
To our funders and our supporters, thank you.
Thank you for...
Thank you for believing in the power of civic education and for investing in our next generation of leaders.
Your commitment allows us to scale this program and to make sure that it's accessible to as many students as possible across our country.
Speaking of which, I am thrilled to share some pretty big news.
So when we launched the National Civics Bee, we dreamed of building a truly national platform.
One where every student could have the opportunity to compete, to engage, and to lead, like all of you have done.
Today, I am so proud to share that for the 2025-2026 National Civics Bee, we have officially expanded to all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa.
So this means that next year, students from every corner of our country will have the opportunity to stand on this stage and to show their civic knowledge and their leadership.
It's a major milestone and one that we truly could not have met without our partners, without our funders, our supporters, and for inspiring students and families like all of you here today.
Okay, so to all of the finalists, whether you've made it to the final round or not, you're part of something bigger.
You are helping us build a stronger, more informed, more engaged democracy.
And we are so proud of you.
And I hope that you are proud of yourselves.
All right, I know I'm the thing in between round four and round five.
So while we wait, just be ready to cheer these students on.
As you know, after this, we will announce the top five moving on to the final challenge, our buzzer round.
And you know that these students are competing for some top prizes.
and one will walk away with a $100,000 education savings award and be crowned our next National Civics Bee champion.
I have to say I'm personally so excited that Emily Brubaker from Alaska is here, our inaugural champion.
We could not have picked a better first champion and representative of this program.
So thank you for being here.
OK, I'm going to get backstage, but we'll be back out shortly.
Question number two: In which speech does Abraham Lincoln warn that the passions of mob rule threaten the rule of law and the stability of the constitutional system?
Question number three: What colonial agreement in 1620 established a government based on the consent of the governed and the commitment to work for the common good?
Which article and section of the Constitution states the judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one Supreme Court and in such inferior courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish?
We are so very proud of every student who competed today.
Seriously, you showed incredible knowledge, leadership, a lot of respect.
Time to award our champions.
Okay.
Here to present our second first place winners with their prizes.
Please welcome Teacher Jeremy Kaplan, participant in the Carnegie Foundation Civic Education Network, and two of his students, Victoria Sedeno and Fatumata Berry.
Well, in third place, we know who won that, and winning $15,000 is Mana.
Congratulations, mom.
Awesome.
All right, in second place, earning a $25,000 prize is I apologize.
present the Bill Daniels National Civics Award is Hannah Skandara, President and CEO of the Daniels Fund.
Audience, please join me in a drum roll.
2025 national champion and winner of $100,000, 529 education savings plan is Eric.
Your futures are very, very bright to everyone joining us here and around the country.
Thank you so much.
Keep leading, keep learning, keep your civics strong.
This concludes the 2025 National Civics B National Championship.
This was awesome today.
Congratulations, and we'll see you next year.
unidentified
Thank you for joining the 2025 National Civics Be National Championship.
Please join as we continue the celebrating with lunch in the Briefing Center room.
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