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.
Spotlight
Launched in 2024, our two-week program offers an immersive professional exchange and residential learning opportunity for foreign judges and magistrates who are passionate about strengthening legal systems.
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
Introducing The Juror Education Project
By Hilary Crow - Civics
Third Time’s the Charm: Meet the 2025 National Civics Bee Champion
By Alicia Sondberg
Insights
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.
News
Wall Street Journal
Drawing on their experience judging the National Civics Bee, Jim Nicholson and Emma Bloomberg argue that the U.S. needs a grassroots civics renewal to strengthen the habits and skills that sustain democracy ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary.
Partners
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
- The first-ever National Civics Bee Championship brought 27 standout students to Washington, D.C., to compete for big prizes. After excelling in local and state competitions, these young leaders showcased their civic knowledge and passion, marking a significant step in expanding the competition nationwide by 2026.Inaugural championship gathered 27 state champions in Washington, D.C., to test their civic knowledge and skills, and make civics education a priority for America’s youth. Winner received the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and a $100,000 education savings account.Middle school students to compete in inaugural National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C., on November 12Twenty judges and magistrates from 13 countries arrive in the nation’s capital for intensive program focused on upholding the rule of lawOn Constitution Day 2024, we welcomed 100 new American citizens from 33 countries. Dionna Stokes, manager of civics, reflects on this life-changing event, exploring personal stories of citizenship and the power of civic engagement in shaping our nation's future.In early October, this initiative will bring together 20 judges and magistrates from 13 countries across 5 regions of the world to Washington, D.C., and Virginia for a rigorous two-week program focused on upholding the rule of law.:hire CEO Larry Kidd and Project Manager Rachel Strawser share their perspectives on implementing Civic Time Off.This annual competition by The Civic Trust®, an initiative of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, is expanding to a record 28 states this year.Just like rules in a sport or board game, rule of law creates impartiality, predictability, and accountability. Together with the Presidential Precinct, we launched the Judicial Fellowship Program, a concerted effort to fight corruption and strengthen rule of law globally.
