What

Get ready for a thrilling adventure with CEF’s flagship program, the Challenge! This exciting, team-based STEM competition is designed to provide a dynamic learning experience. It builds essential skills like critical thinking, effective communication, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving—key tools for academic success and future careers.

Who

Teams of 3-4 students from 5th to 8th grade participate in Regional Challenge events where they answer timed science-based questions. Teams simultaneously create a video to launch a start-up company aimed at solving sustainability issues and finding community-based solutions.

  • PARTICIPANTSStudent Teams: collaborate on Regional and Video Challenge preparation
  • EDUCATORS (teachers/parents/mentors)Team Coordinators: mentor the students and manage team logistics
  • VOLUNTEERSChallenge Organizers: host and manage local area Challenges | Video Evaluators: review and score  team video submissions

When

Registration for the Challenge starts in October and runs through December. Regional Challenge events take place from January – March and are organized by enthusiastic CEF volunteers.

See the timeline for more information.

Where

Regional Challenges take place across the US and Canada.

Why

  • CEF provides instructional support and comprehensive resources, including study materials, rules, timelines, and recruitment slides; everything you need to get started today!
  • The Challenge is perfect as a classroom tool or as an engaging after-school activity.
  • SPARK your students’ passion for STEM! CEF provides an opportunity for them to be recognized and a chance to win scholarships!

Learn more on our FAQ page. For any questions related to the Challenge, please reach out to challenge@chemed.org.