WASHINGTON, D.C. — At today's National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced that the competition is expanding to all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and American Samoa, in time for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026.
The expansion marks the first time students nationwide will have the opportunity to compete, starting in regional and state competitions hosted by chambers of commerce, with top finalists advancing to the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington.
“For the first time, students in every corner of the country will have the chance to step onto the National Civics Bee stage,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation. “This expansion makes the National Civics Bee one of the nation’s largest and most inclusive civic education initiatives ahead of America’s 250th anniversary.”
Growing urgency: Americans report confidence but lack civics knowledge
According to the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s latest Civic and Economic Literacy Survey, 74% of Americans say they believe they could explain how government works, yet 58% fail a basic civics test.
"The National Civics Bee meets a real need — and that need extends to every community in the country," said Michael Carney, president of the U.S. Chamber Foundation. "We're calling on communities everywhere to host a competition in 2026 so more students can practice civics and fulfill the promise of American democracy."
Reach and impact of the National Civics Bee
Launched in 2022 with support from founding partner, the Daniels Fund, and other funders, the National Civics Bee has grown rapidly into a far-reaching movement. To date, the competition has engaged nearly 20,000 students across more than 200 communities in 40 states, bringing together parents, educators, business leaders, and public officials to elevate civics education as a national priority.
Today’s championship features middle school finalists from 39 states competing for a $100,000 education savings award. Emmy-winning television host and producer Mario Lopez is serving as emcee.
The National Civics Bee is part of the U.S. Chamber Foundation’s The Civic Trust® initiative, designed to improve understanding of and involvement in American civic life by changing the conversation and perception of civics in classrooms, boardrooms, and communities.
Applications for the 2026 National Civics Bee — the first year of the nationwide expansion — are now open. Students, educators and chambers of commerce can learn more and apply at: https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/national-civics-bee/
“We want every student who cares about their community to apply — your voice and your ideas matter,” Crow said.
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About National Civics Bee
The National Civics Bee®, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s The Civic Trust, is an annual competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state and local chambers across the country. It is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, Citizen Travelers, Fisher Global Foundation, Ibis Group, The Anschutz Foundation, Wilson Garling Foundation, and other funders.
About U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.
