(INDIANAPOLIS) — The Indiana Chamber of Commerce announced on June 1 that it will host the National Civics Bee Indiana State Finals, with 15 middle school finalists competing on June 23 at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis. The event is presented by Cummins Inc. and held in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and local chambers across Indiana.
The Civics Bee is designed to encourage students in grades six through eight to engage in civics and contribute ideas for community improvement, modeled after traditional spelling and geography bees. Students can earn recognition and cash prizes by demonstrating their civic knowledge and sharing proposals for strengthening their communities. The winner of the state finals will advance to Washington, D.C., to compete at the national championship in fall 2026.
“Encouraging greater civic participation among all Hoosiers is a key priority of the Indiana Chamber’s long-term vision, Indiana Prosperity 2035,” said Vanessa Green Sinders, president and CEO of the Indiana Chamber of Commerce. “Fostering a strong understanding of American democracy – along with respectful, constructive and collaborative community engagement – is essential to strengthening trust in one another and in our institutions.”
Regional competitions were held over recent weeks with participation from students across the state who submitted essays as part of their entry process. Regional partners included organizations such as Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, Kendallville Area Chamber of Commerce, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce, and Zionsville Chamber of Commerce. Last year’s champion from Indiana was Barrett Hodorek from Lakeview Middle School in Warsaw, who finished as national runner-up.
Nicole Y. Lamb-Hale, chief administrative officer and corporate secretary at Cummins Inc., said, “An investment in young people is an investment in a prosperous future, and we are honored to be the presenting sponsor of the Indiana State Finals for the National Civics Bee… We believe that society flourishes when communities are grounded in civic mindedness.” Additional support comes from sponsors including Bill of Rights Institute (technology sponsor), Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, Eli Lilly & Co., Kroger, Gardis & Regas LLP & Indiana Bar Foundation.
The Indiana Chamber promotes economic prosperity statewide through advocacy efforts at both state and federal levels while providing educational programs, conferences, publications and consultation services for its more than 25,000 members representing over one million Hoosiers throughout Indiana, according to its official website.
