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
The inaugural championship gathered 27 state champions in Washington, D.C., to test their civic knowledge and skills. Who will be the next National Civics Bee Champion? Essays are due February 4, 2025.
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.
Latest Updates
Meet the National Civics Bee® Finalists
Our Impact in Stories
- Civics
Why I Became an Election Poll Worker (and Why You Should Too)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.
By Hilary Crow
Partners
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.
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
Crystal LindAssociate Manager, Civics Partnerships Sarah SchmidtManager, Civics Partnerships Dionna StokesManager, Civics
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Latest Content
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.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has launched The Civic Trust, a new initiative that will promote a broad range of efforts aimed at improving understanding of and involvement in American civic life.
A strong business community matters to the nation because the private sector produces the goods, services, and jobs that society needs to survive and thrive, individually and collectively. Moreover, the private sector-led economic activity provides the revenue to fund the public sector in its vital role in the country.
Corporations are increasingly embracing how powerful “enlightened self-interest,” as Benjamin Franklin called it, can be as they create deeper linkages with their employees, customers, suppliers, and the communities they operate in.