(INDIANAPOLIS) — It’s time to see which Hoosier student will be crowned the state’s civics champion and move on to compete in the nation’s capital.
The Indiana Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and local chambers of commerce across Indiana to host the National Civics Bee® Indiana State Finals. Presented by Cummins Inc., 15 statewide finalists will compete on June 23 at the Indiana War Memorial in Indianapolis.
The Civics Bee encourages middle school students in grades six to eight to engage in civics and contribute to their communities and is modeled on traditional spelling and geography bees. Students can win recognition and earn cash prizes by sharing ideas for improving their communities and showing their enthusiasm for civics.
The winner of the National Civics Bee® Indiana State Finals will be invited to Washington, D.C. to compete in 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,” explains Indiana Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders. “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.”
This year’s regional National Civics Bee® competitions were held over the past several weeks, featuring inspiring students from across the state who showcased their civic knowledge, leadership skills and creative ideas to strengthen their communities. Regional partners included the Evansville Regional Economic Partnership, Kendallville Area Chamber of Commerce, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce, Wayne County Area Chamber of Commerce and Zionsville Chamber of Commerce. Student participation began with an essay submission. This follows a strong Indiana showing from last year as Indiana champion Barrett Hodorek, representing Lakeview Middle School in Warsaw, was the national runner-up.
“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®,” expresses Cummins Chief Administrative Officer and Corporate Secretary Nicole Y. Lamb-Hale. “At Cummins, our commitment to championing civic engagement is foundational to who we are as a company. We believe that society flourishes when communities are grounded in civic mindedness.”
The event is also supported by technology sponsor Bill of Rights Institute and supporting sponsors Benjamin Harrison Presidential Site, Eli Lilly and Co., Kroger, Gardis & Regas, LLP & Indiana Bar Foundation.
For more information on the competition or to register to attend, visit www.indianachamber.com/2026civicsbee.
###
The Indiana Chamber partners with 25,000 members and investors – representing over a million Hoosiers – to achieve the mission of “cultivating a world-class environment which provides economic opportunity and prosperity.”
