The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation and local chambers of commerce across Illinois to host a first-of-its-kind statewide civics competition. The National Civics Bee encourages middle school students in grades 6-8 to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
The competition, modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees, gives students the chance to win recognition and earn cash prizes by sharing ideas for improving their communities and showing enthusiasm for civics. The winner of the National Civics Bee Illinois state finals will be invited to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2025.
The Illinois Chamber of Commerce is hosting the National Civics Bee Illinois state finals because we believe that informed and active citizens make for a strong country, a strong economy, and a strong workforce, and that our continued prosperity depends on the strength of all three. Through the National Civics Bee, we are promoting greater civic knowledge throughout Illinois and celebrating our civic pride.