JOLIET CHAMBER FOUNDATION AND U.S. CHAMBER FOUNDATION PARTNER TO BRING THE 2026 NATIONAL CIVICS BEE® TO JOLIET REGION
Calling all middle school students to share their ideas, showcase their civics knowledge, engage in their communities, and compete for prizes and recognition.
Joliet, Ill. – (September 8, 2025) – The Joliet Chamber Foundation is proud to partner 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. Thanks to the 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 opens 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.
For the most current information about the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry and
the Joliet Chamber Foundation, follow us on Facebook @jolietchamberofcommerceandindustry.
About the Joliet Chamber Foundation
The Joliet Chamber Foundation is dedicated to fostering a prosperous and unified business
community through education, leadership, diversity, and professional development initiatives.
Guided by our vision, we strive to improve the efficiency, development, and acceleration of both
the quality and quantity of economic growth, employment, and business opportunities. By
investing in programs that build knowledge, cultivate leaders, and embrace inclusivity, the
Foundation works to strengthen the community and create lasting opportunities for growth and
success.
About the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
The Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry is the largest Chamber in Will County and
one of the largest and most active Chambers of Commerce in Illinois representing nearly 1,000
member businesses and organizations from a wide variety of categories. The Chamber carries
out its mission by advocating in the interest of business and providing opportunities for
committee work, networking, promotion, and continuing professional development. The
Chamber also strongly believes in a solid educational system base and has been awarded
multiple times on the local and state level for the work of their Education Committee.
About U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation harnesses the power of business to create
solutions for the good of America and the world. We anticipate, develop, and deploy solutions to
challenges facing communities—today and tomorrow.
About the National Civics Bee®
The National Civics Bee, a program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, 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, regional, and local organizations across the
country. The National Civics Bee is made possible through the generous support of its founding
partner, the Daniels Fund, as well as Carnegie Corporation of New York, Citizen Travelers, and
other funders.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce & Industry
Jen Howard: (815) 727-5371
jhoward@jolietchamber.com