The Scripps Spelling Bee is an annual spelling competition held in the United States, taking place from the Tuesday to Thursday after Memorial Day weekend. This event provides students the opportunity to participate, win grand prizes, and gain national recognition, while aiming to improve their spelling skills and vocabulary. The competition is open to students who have not passed the eighth grade and are under 15 years old, excluding previous winners. It is organized by the E.W. Scripps Company and takes place in Washington, D.C., on a non-profit basis. The spelling bee promotes literacy and proper usage of the English language, with an estimated 11 million students participating each year. Participants must first qualify through regional competitions to advance to the national level.