In the heart of Tallahassee this summer, a group of twelve middle schoolers demonstrated an extraordinary grasp of civic knowledge that left many adults in awe. Their achievement is a testament to Florida’s concerted efforts to bolster civic education, an initiative that is clearly bearing fruit.
The Institute for Governance and Civics (IGC) at Florida State University hosted the Florida Statewide Finals of the National Civics Bee® at the end of June. The competition brought together twelve students who had earned their spots by writing essays connecting community issues to the nation’s founding principles. These young scholars tackled topics ranging from human trafficking to substance abuse, showcasing their ability to link enduring democratic principles to real-world problems.
The Power of Early Civic Education
The event highlighted a stark contrast between the civic knowledge of these middle schoolers and that of the general adult population. A survey by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation revealed that more than 70% of Americans fail a basic civic literacy quiz. Similarly, research conducted by the IGC found that fewer than half of Floridians surveyed could correctly answer five basic civics questions. The performance of these students, many of whom missed only one question in a 20-question round, underscores the potential of early and effective civic education.
Watching these students connect civic principles to community issues was inspiring. They discussed topics like public transportation and the gap in lifesaving CPR for women, demonstrating a readiness to engage with elected officials and contribute to their communities. This level of civic awareness and engagement is precisely what a self-governing republic needs to thrive.
Florida’s Commitment to Civic Literacy
Florida’s dedication to civic education is not a recent development. When the Legislature created the IGC in 2026, it charged the institute with encouraging civic literacy statewide. This mandate shapes everything the IGC does, from developing educational tools and resources to conducting public opinion polling on civic knowledge.
The IGC’s efforts extend beyond the classroom. They have established an interdisciplinary degree in civics and liberty studies, a speaker series that draws students to hear diverse ideas, and Florida’s first-ever First Amendment Clinic at the FSU College of Law. These initiatives aim to foster a deeper understanding of civic principles and their application in everyday life.
Empowering Educators
One of the IGC’s most impactful programs is its summer training for civics educators. Each summer, teachers from across the state gather at Florida State University to learn how to teach founding documents in engaging and accessible ways. Two summers ago, 40 teachers participated in this program. This summer, that number quadrupled to 160, reflecting a growing momentum in civic education.
Behind every prepared student on the Civics Bee stage is an invested teacher. The IGC’s commitment to empowering educators is a crucial component of its mission to foster civic literacy. By equipping teachers with the tools and knowledge they need, the IGC is ensuring that the next generation of citizens is well-prepared to participate in and contribute to their communities.
Florida’s investment in civic education is yielding impressive results, with middle school students outperforming adults in civic knowledge. This achievement is a testament to the state’s commitment to fostering an informed and engaged citizenry. As Lila Seagle, associate director of the IGC, noted, if every public servant brought the civic grounding these students already have, our communities would be better for it. This is a choice worth renewing, strengthening, and making again and again.
