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
- 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 12On 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.: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.Local and state chambers can apply now to participate in the 2025 National Civics Bee®.Elections are a cornerstone of our democracy, yet there are significant shortages of election poll workers that could prevent polling places from opening for upcoming elections in 24 states.Our comprehensive new study revealed an alarming truth ahead of America’s 250th anniversary—the nation’s civic knowledge is badly lagging. However, there’s an optimistic outlook and opportunity for business leaders to make a difference.
