Champaign, Ill. (Chambana Today) — The Champaign County Chamber of Commerce is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2025 National Civics Bee, a nationwide competition designed to encourage civic engagement and knowledge among middle school students.

This year, the Chamber will serve as the official host for the regional competition in Illinois, offering local students the opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of civics and their commitment to community involvement.

“We are honored to bring the National Civics Bee to Champaign County and provide a platform for our middle school students to showcase their knowledge and ideas,” said Kiley Simpson, Public Policy Director at the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce.

The National Civics Bee is open to all 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in Illinois. Participants will submit an original essay addressing a key civic issue in their community and proposing a solution. Top essayists will be invited to compete in a live quiz event at the regional level, with winners advancing to the state and potentially the national rounds. Finalists will be invited to Washington, D.C. to compete in the National Civics Bee national championship in Fall 2026.

Winning students will receive cash prizes and may qualify to advance to higher levels of the competition. The Bee is part of a national initiative spearheaded by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, with the goal of cultivating a stronger understanding of American democracy among youth.

For more information and to apply, visit National Civics Bee – Champaign County Chamber of Commerce – IL.