The Joliet Chamber Foundation has partnered with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation to bring the National Civics Bee to the Joliet region for the 2025-2026 program year. This annual initiative – now expanding to all 50 states in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary in 2026 – invites middle school students to showcase their civics knowledge, engage in their communities, and build trust in others and institutions through a nonpartisan, multi-round competition.
Middle school students in 6th, 7th, and 8th grade from public, private, charter, and home schools across Illinois are invited to apply for the 2026 National Civics Bee, a nonpartisan competition created and organized by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation. Students begin by submitting a four-paragraph essay proposing ideas to improve their communities, and the top-scoring essay finalists will be invited to a live quiz competition in their state.
Finalists who advance to live quiz competitions at the regional, state, and national levels have the chance to win prizes and represent their communities. They also strengthen their civics, writing, and public speaking skills, and form friendships with other young leaders along the way.
The first-place winner of the Illinois State Finals will earn a trip to Washington, D.C., to compete in the National Championship in Fall 2026. Finalists who advance to the National Championship will compete for cash prizes, national recognition, and a $100,000 529 education savings plan contribution. With generous support of the Fisher Global Foundation, the first-place winner in each state may also secure a $5,000 donation for their school.
Educators, youth leaders, and parents are encouraged to share this opportunity with their middle school students. Educator and student resources are available to help students craft and submit their essays. To access these resources, visit https://civics.uschamberfoundation.org/ncb-how-it-works/.
The essay application portal opened on September 8, 2025, at 11:01 PM Central Time (CT) and closes on February 4, 2026, at 3:59 AM Central Time (CT). Students can apply online at https://my.reviewr.com/NationalCivicsBee/site/NationalCivicsBee2026. Students without access to the internet or a computer may submit their applications by mail.
“The Joliet Chamber Foundation is proud to bring the National Civics Bee to our region,” said Howard Hamilton, Chair of the Joliet Chamber Foundation. “This competition empowers students to deepen their civic knowledge and inspires the next generation of leaders to strengthen our community and our nation.”
“As we approach America’s 250th anniversary, we have a powerful opportunity – and responsibility – to reignite civic learning across the country. Our hope is that the National Civics Bee inspires more schools to prioritize civics education, equipping young people with a deeper understanding of how our government and democracy work – and the essential role they play in strengthening their communities and our nation,” said Hilary Crow, Vice President of Civics at the U.S. Chamber Foundation.
For more information about entering the National Civics Bee, visit nationalcivicsbee.org.
