Renaissance Newark Foundation Hosts Inaugural Regional Competition for the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s National Civics Bee®

(l-r) Penda Howell, NJ Urban News; Ferlanda Fox Nixon, NRBP/RNF; Rayaan Chaudhuri, (2nd place winner); Alan Khordos, (1st place winner);  Vritika Gupta (3rd place winner); Mary Makfinsky, Popular Bank; and Dr. Suffiyah Webb (Brilliant Smiles Pediatric Dentistry) 

Newark, NJ (April 27, 2026) — The Renaissance Newark Foundation (RNF), the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the Newark Regional Business Partnership, proudly hosted the inaugural New Jersey regional competition for the National Civics Bee® on April 18 at Essex County College.  An initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this program invites middle school students to deepen their civic knowledge and develop solutions that strengthen their communities and our democracy.

Through a multi-stage competition, including written essays proposing solutions to community challenges, a civics knowledge quiz, and a live defense of those proposals, students demonstrate strong critical thinking, civic awareness, and a clear commitment to making a meaningful impact.  The event drew approximately 80 attendees, bringing together participants’ families, educators, and community members.

“At RNF, we know that civic engagement is foundational to a thriving community,” said Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President & CEO of the Newark Regional Business Partnership. “We were proud to serve as New Jersey’s inaugural regional host of the National Civics Bee®, reflecting our commitment to empowering the next generation with the knowledge, confidence, and tools to actively shape the future of our communities.”

Through a highly competitive selection process that drew more than 200 applications, 20 students were invited to participate in the regional competition. The top 10 finalists will advance to the state competition, hosted by Rutgers University, later this year. Alan Khordos of Springfield, New Jersey, was awarded first place, earning recognition for his exceptional performance in the quiz round and confident, well-articulated defense of his civic engagement proposal. Second place was awarded to Rayaan Chaudhuri of Cranbury, and third place to Vritika Gupta of Princeton Junction.

Khordos shared that, "competing in the National Civics Bee® gave me an opportunity to improve my knowledge of U.S history and connect with other kids who wanted to make a difference in our community".  

The competition was judged by a distinguished panel of Newark-area business and community leaders: Dr. Suffiyah Webb, Dentist and Owner, Brilliant Smiles Pediatric Dentistry, Penda C. Howell, Founder, CEO, and Publisher, New Jersey Urban News, and Mary Makfinsky, SVP, Director of Business Banking, Popular Bank, and Board Chair of NRBP.

“Serving as a judge for the National Civics Bee® was an incredible experience—hard to believe the participants were only middle school students,” said Makfinsky. “Their essays were inspiring, thoughtfully written, and focused on real-world challenges, each offering meaningful solutions. Kudos to these students for their dedication, research, and talent. They clearly represent a generation that will make a positive difference.”

The event was made possible through the generous support of Prudential Financial, whose sponsorship underscores a shared commitment to advancing civic participation and community engagement.

RNF looks forward to building on the success of this inaugural program and hosting the National Civics Bee® annually, continuing to inspire, educate, and empower the next generation of civic leaders.

About the Renaissance Newark Foundation
The Renaissance Newark Foundation (RNF) is the 501(c)(3) affiliate of the Newark Regional Business Partnership, the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region. RNF harnesses education, research, and civic engagement to fuel economic development, attract businesses, and create pathways to success for Newark’s diverse communities. Its initiatives include the Small & Emerging Business Initiative (SEBI), Navigating Newark, and the National Civics Bee® .

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