Building the Future STEM Workforce
National Challenge
The Future of STEM Takes the Stage at CEF’s National Challenge
June 10-11, 2025
Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria
Houston, TX
June 10th – Competition
Out of more than 14,000 students who participated in the Challenge Program this year, the top five National Finalist teams will compete on June 10 in Houston, TX. The teams will be presenting their innovative solutions to a panel of esteemed judges exploring the theme—You Be the Solution: Develop a sustainable solution to a local natural hazard that ensures community safety.
June 11th – Dinner & Awards Ceremony
The Dinner & Awards Ceremony will be held on June 11, an evening of celebration, inspiration, and recognition. Guests will enjoy networking receptions, an exciting keynote, magical entertainment, and the chance to support STEM education through CEF’s Silent Auction.
The Challenge is more than a competition—it’s a transformative journey. Team-based and community-focused, it encourages students to explore real-world problems and build sustainable solutions together, mirroring the collaborative nature of today’s STEM careers.
There’s still time to purchase tickets for the Dinner & Awards Ceremony and become a Challenge sponsor. Be part of the excitement and help us honor the students shaping tomorrow.
Activity Guides
Presented by Brenntag, Activity Guides use common, inexpensive items so educators can provide hands-on learning for K-8 students to explore foundational science concepts.
Hands-on learning engages young children in exploring science. These activities make real-world connections for students to see the value of science and chemistry in everyday learning and life.
Since no formal lab space is needed, these experiments, lesson sheets, and supplemental resources are ready-to-use in schools, afterschool programs, camps, museums – anywhere!
The content is compatible with the Next Generation Science Standards.
Essential Elements
Confidence. It’s what educators have after participating in You Be The Chemist Essential Elements professional development workshops, so they are equipped to lead hands-on science activities with students.
This confidence is critical, and comes with providing K–8 educators—our “essential elements” in education—with methods for teaching chemistry concepts.
Career Conversations
Online and in-person resources for students to explore different STEM careers and talk to professionals about future workforce opportunities.
Join us in celebrating and elevating the science of chemistry in learning and life!
