The U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation has announced the launch of an initiative that will promote a broad range of efforts aimed at improving understanding of and involvement in American civic life. 

Among the first programs of the Civic Trust is the inaugural National Civics Bee, which will be piloted in six locations across the nation to encourage young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities. Starting with events in Iowa, Kentucky, Maryland, New Mexico, Texas, and Wyoming, each competition will recruit local middle school students to take part in a first-round essay competition on civics. From those events, local judges will select 10 to go to a final round: a live quiz event to test participants’ civics knowledge. Winners will be recognized in their communities and receive prizes selected by the local organizers. The competitions are designed to help young Americans become better informed about American democracy, engage respectfully and constructively in the public square, and build greater trust in others and institutions. 

“The Civic Trust emerged from our recognition that a healthy democracy relies on citizens who are well informed about their history, government and public issues and who are motivated to engage constructively in shaping the vibrancy of public life in their communities, their states and their nation,” said U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation president Carolyn Cawley. “The business community understands it has an enormous stake, as well as a unique and effective role to play, in strengthening American civic life.”

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