We are thrilled to announce the beginning of our biggest fundraising campaign to date! Beginning today, we are embarking on a month-long campaign to raise $100,000 through support from science-champions like you. Be a part of our mission. Help us inspire today’s students to become the Maggie’s of tomorrow; the thinkers, innovators and STEM leaders who will build a better world through the science of chemistry.

Meet Maggie Leake, 2005 National Challenge Champion & PhD Candidate in Chemistry

Twelve years ago, Maggie Leake became the first ever National You Be The Chemist Challenge® Champion. According to Maggie, winning the competition gave her the confidence and the edge to continue pursuing chemistry.

“When I won, I didn’t think it was real. It took a few minutes to sink in. But, more importantly than winning, I got extra exposure to chemistry that I wouldn’t have gotten otherwise in middle school. That gave me a huge edge when I went on to high school, which gave me an edge when I went to college.”

Through middle school, high school, and college, the spark of confidence that was lit at the Challenge lead her to pursuing her PhD in Chemistry. Hear more about Maggie’s experience in her advice video to 2017 National Challenge participants.