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(Springfield, IL), The Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation proudly announces the launch of the 2025 National Civics Bee®, an initiative aimed at encouraging more young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Hosted in partnership with The Civic Trust® of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, the competition in Illinois will inspire middle schoolers to become better informed about American democracy, to engage respectfully and constructively in the community, and to build greater trust in others and institutions.
All of us at the Illinois Chamber Foundation and Chamber Board of Directors are excited about the opportunity to support this important initiative," said Illinois Chamber Foundation Board Chair, Ray Drake. "This is a great way to provide a unique educational experience to students throughout Illinois and the nation."
Participants in the National Civics Bee® will have the chance to gain recognition for their civics knowledge and skills and compete for prestigious awards, including prizes worth at least $1,000 for the state champion and $50,000 for the national winner. The competition enables students to explore issues that matter to their communities, furthering their understanding of civic engagement and fostering responsible citizenship.
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce will host the National Civics Bee® Illinois State Finals in the summer of 2025. Finalists from local competitions across Illinois will be invited to take part in the state-level competition. Students will participate in a live quiz event and answer questions from judges to test their civic knowledge. The winner will receive a trip to Washington, D.C. to compete in the national championship in the fall of 2025.
“As community leaders, we understand that informed citizens are the backbone of a thriving democracy. The Civics Bee not only encourages knowledge of our state government and civic responsibilities but also fosters engagement among our youth," said Lou Sandoval, President and CEO of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce. “By investing in civic education, we empower the next generation to be active participants in shaping their communities and ensuring a brighter future for the State of Illinois.”
“Fostering a deep understanding of civics and government among our young students is critical to the vibrancy of democracy and civic life in America. The National Civics Bee® provides a unique platform for them to not only showcase their knowledge but also become active and engaged citizens of the future,” said Hilary Crow, vice president of civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
For more information on entering the National Civics Bee® in Illinois, please visit our website or contact Jill Vancil at: jvancil@ilchamber.org.
About National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee®, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation’s The Civic Trust®, is an annual nonpartisan competition aimed at improving civics education and literacy among middle school students, their families, and communities. The National Civics Bee® helps elevate civics as a national priority through a network of state and local chambers across the country. The National Civics Bee® is made possible through the generous support of its founding partner, the Daniels Fund, Citizen Travelers, and other funders.
About Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The mission of the Illinois Chamber of Commerce Foundation is to advance economic growth and community prosperity in Illinois by providing research of key topics pertinent to business growth, educational resources, fostering leadership development, and supporting innovative initiatives that empower businesses. We are dedicated to enhancing the skills of the workforce, promoting sustainable practices, and advocating for policies that create a vibrant business environment, ensuring that all stakeholders thrive in a competitive global economy.
