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
- Amidst growing polarization, workplaces emerge as rare unifying civic force.In our annual impact report, you will see how we are translating our bold new vision into action by organizing around proven capabilities in civics and democracy, disaster resilience, education, and workforce.Middle school students can apply today. Finalists will receive free access to Khanmigo, Khan Academy’s AI-powered tutor, to study civics.The Denver-based Daniels Fund has announced a three-year, $4.5 million grant to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to expand its National Civics Bee.The National Civics Bee, initiated by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bolster civic knowledge among youth and their families, is expanding significantly in response to strong demand, particularly from mothers, who believe civics education is essential.U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation President Carolyn Cawley issued the following statement today on the release of the 2022 NAEP U.S. history and civics results, also known as the Nation's Report Card.Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation announced the launch of the 2023 National Civics Bee, a national competition designed to inspire young Americans to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.
