Creating Exciting Futures in STEM
National CEF You Be The Solution Challenge™
Where STEM Takes Center Stage
June 2-3, 2026
Hilton Houston Post Oak by the Galleria
Houston, TX
June 2nd – Competition
Out of more than 13,000 students who participated in the Challenge Program this year, the top five National Finalist teams will compete on June 2 in Houston, TX. The teams will be presenting their innovative solutions to a panel of esteemed judges exploring the theme –You Be the Solution: Explore health sciences to develop a sustainable innovation to improve your local community.
June 3rd – Dinner & Awards Ceremony
The Dinner & Awards Ceremony will be held on June 3, an evening of celebration, inspiration, and recognition. Guests will enjoy networking receptions 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.
Adventure Guides
Presented by Brenntag, CEF Adventure Guides™ (formally You Be The Chemist Activity Guides) use common, inexpensive items so educators can provide hands-on learning for K-8 students to explore foundational STEM concepts.
Hands-on learning engages young children in exploring STEM. These activities make real-world connections for students to see the value STEM 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 CEF Essential Elements professional development workshops, so they are equipped to lead hands-on STEM activities with students.
This confidence is critical, and comes with providing K–8 educators—our “essential elements” in education—with methods for teaching STEM concepts.
Career Conversations
Online and in-person resources for students to explore different STEM careers and talk to professionals about future workforce opportunities.
"CEF and its programs ... have completely changed the way our young people see themselves and their future. Their journey is now completely transformed and their future seemingly boundless."
-Cathi Cox-Boniol (Director of Region 8 LaSTEM Center)
