Civics Education Big Bet
Restoring Civic Knowledge Across America
Educate 1 million young Americans in the rights, responsibilities, and values derived from civic knowledge
The Daniels Fund is investing in the education of 1 million young Americans to restore civic knowledge across the country. This Big Bet is rooted in Bill Daniels’ belief that a strong nation depends on informed, engaged citizens who understand their rights and responsibilities.
Civic knowledge is declining nationwide, and many young people are entering adulthood without a clear understanding of how our Republic works or their role within it. Through programs that foster critical thinking and a deep appreciation for the Constitution and American ideals, we are helping the next generation participate fully in civic life. Our investment supports students in becoming community-minded leaders who strengthen their schools, neighborhoods, and country.
National Civics Bee
The National Civics Bee is a fast-growing competition that challenges middle school students to engage with civics, understand their role in community life, and strengthen their knowledge of American government. Launched in 2022 by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation in partnership with the Daniels Fund as founding sponsor, the Bee is an essential part of our effort to restore civic knowledge nationwide.
By 2025, the Bee had expanded to competitions in 200 cities and towns across 40 states, with plans to reach all 50 states by 2026, America’s 250th birthday and Colorado’s 150th. In 2025 alone, more than 7,400 students participated. Through essay writing, live competitions, and on-stage challenges, students learn not just how government works, but how they can make a difference.
The Daniels Fund’s support of the Bee reflects our belief in real-world, engaging civics education. Through this initiative, students gain confidence, build character, and connect with their communities in meaningful ways. The state champions, like Colorado’s Cameron Parker, go on to compete in the National Civics Bee Championship in Washington, D.C., where the winner receives the Bill Daniels National Civics Award and a $100,000 scholarship.
2025 Civics Bee Locations
Why Civics Education Matters
Across the country, communities are sounding the alarm that civic knowledge is in decline. Young people are graduating without a clear understanding of how our government works, what their rights and responsibilities are, or how they can meaningfully participate in civic life.
At the Daniels Fund, we believe civics education should:
- Teach students how local, state, and federal governments function
- Instill respect for the Constitution and the rule of law
- Encourage civil discourse and community engagement grounded in shared values
We are committed to reaching 1 million young Americans with high-quality civics education that restores foundational knowledge and cultivates informed, engaged citizens. This investment supports efforts across our four-state region and is designed to scale, creating long-term impact in classrooms and communities nationwide.
22%
of U.S. eighth-graders are proficient in civics. National scores declined for the first time since testing began (NAGB, 2023)
1 in 3
Americans cannot name the three branches of government. Fewer than one in four feel confident explaining how government works (RealClearEducation, 2025)
81%
of surveyed youth who remembered civic educational experiences in high school said they were extremely likely to vote. (CIRCLE, 2024)
The National Civics Bee is an annual competition that encourages young Americans to engage in civics and contribute to their communities.
The next competition will be:

November 2025
Washington, DC
Impact in action
Hear from the students, parents, and educators impacted by investments in civics education.
Meet Last Year’s Winners
Each year, the top three winners of the National Civics Bee demonstrate outstanding civic knowledge, leadership, and a commitment to serving their communities. Their achievements reflect the impact of meaningful civics education and the potential of the next generation.
1st Place
Emily B.
AK
Essay Topic: Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act
2nd Place
Michael O.
IA
Essay Topic: Civic Participation
3rd Place
Keith L.
NM
Essay Topic: Climate Change
2024 State Winners
Aarit K., OH, Excessive Screen Time
Aiden B., AZ, Open Primaries
Aria T., MT, Wildlife Vehicle Collisions
Ava June T., KY, Young Government
Brody S., NY, School Composting
Charlotte E., TN, Homelessness
Cullen P., OK, Voter Turnout
Ellie F., IN, Teen Mental Health
Emily B., AK, Ensuring Lasting Smiles Act, First Place*
Evan Z., MI, Pedestrian Safety
Faizan S., CT, Youth Gun Violence
Gianna S., MD, Grocery Prices
Grace O., GA, Recycling Advocacy
Ilyannie G., WA, Gun Violence
Joah S., AR, Downtown Revitalization
Joel C., WY, Voting Opportunities
Joseph D., CO, Civic Education
Keith L., NM, Climate Change, Third Place*
Lucy L., MS, Prenatal Care
Mariya H., PA, Algal Blooms
Michael O., IA, Civic Participation, Second Place*
Rishaan P., KS, Healthcare Access
Rya M., WI, Education
Summer H., WV, Community Drug Problem
Taashvi W., TX, Public Transportation
Thomas M., OR, Library Funding
Zoey D., VA, Housing Development
2023 State Winners
Sriram Yalavarthy, CO, American Civility
Matilda Peterson, IA, Homelessness
Javan Dotson, KY, Economy
Benjamin Wu, WA, Computer Education
Aarit Koul, OH, Pollution
Gianna San Juan, MD, Gardening Regulations
Nathan Lackey, TX, Drunk Driving
Auburn Eichers, NM, Sexual Assault
Nathaniel Gushurst, PA, Environment