The Civic Trust
The Civic Trust® is a nonpartisan educational initiative dedicated to enhancing civic literacy, skills, and participation across schools, workplaces, and communities. Through programs like the National Civics Bee®, we partner with state and local chambers, businesses, policymakers, and community leaders to offer dynamic opportunities that aim to nurture active citizenship and inspire future leaders.
Programs
Spotlight
Ohio Middle School Student Wins 2025 National Civics Bee Championship
Competition expands to all 50 states to prepare students to shape America’s next 250 years
Applications for the 2026 National Civics Bee are open!
Students in grades 6–8 are invited to explore an issue in their community, propose a solution, and compete for recognition and prizes. The essay application portal is open now and closes on February 3, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. HST.
Our Impact in Stories
- Civics
How Businesses Will Show Up for America’s 250th BirthdayThe U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are sharing resources to help businesses and communities celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.
By Pamela Sharma
- Civics
Civics Academy Pilot Summary Report
By Pamela Sharma - Civics
Our Future Leaders: Inside the National Civics Bee Championship
By Alicia Sondberg
Insights
74% of Americans Think They Could Explain How America Works. 58% Fail a Basic Civics Test.
Most Americans cannot explain how their own government and economy function, according to a new national survey from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.
Partners
Daniels Fund
The Daniels Fund announced it will grant the U.S. Chamber Foundation $4.5 million to scale the National Civics Bee® – an initiative to promote greater civic knowledge among young people, their families, and communities. The three-year grant will enable the Foundation to expand the Bees to all 50 states and host a national championship by 2026, coinciding with the 250th birthday of the U.S.
Our Experts
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Latest Content
- Competition expands to all 50 states to prepare students to shape America’s next 250 yearsThe competition gives middle school students a platform to shape the next chapter of American democracyCreated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this playbook is a comprehensive guide for chambers, businesses, and organizations of all sizes to plan inclusive, nonpartisan celebrations of America's 250th birthday that educate, engage, and inspire.The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are sharing resources to help businesses and communities celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday in 2026.Most Americans cannot explain how their own government and economy function, according to a new national survey from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.Students to compete in second National Civics Bee Championship in Washington on Nov. 11 for a chance to win $100,000Civics Academy is a nonpartisan initiative by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation that equips employees with essential civic knowledge and 21st-century workplace skills.Hear from our partners across the country about their successes and recommendations for bringing the National Civics Bee to your community.In our annual impact report, you’ll see not just what we’ve accomplished, but where we’re going—and how we’re shaping a stronger, more resilient future together.With civic engagement more important than ever, the National Civics Bee inspires young minds to get involved and make a real impact. Learn how one community in Tennessee has seen increased youth participation since joining this signature program.
