ARLINGTON, VA – CEF is proud to announce that PlaqueTracker from S3 in Illinois has been named the 2026 National Challenge Champion, earning a $16,000 scholarship sponsored by Olin. CapeClear from Chem4All in Massachusetts and MYCEL from Jefferson Middle School in Michigan placed second and third, winning $12,000 and $8,000, respectively.
The winners were revealed during the National Challenge Awards Dinner in Houston, Texas, following the final round of competition among the nation’s top five finalist teams. PlaqueTracker earned first place for its innovative solution addressing a global oral health challenge that affects nearly one-third of the world’s population. By merging sustainable chemistry with real-time analytics, the team created a way to detect invisible plaque before it can cause damage—transforming daily brushing into a data driven mission of prevention.
CEF also recognizes Honeywell UOP, the travel sponsor for PlaqueTracker, for helping the team bring its award winning solution to the national stage in Houston. “This year’s finalists demonstrated exactly what happens when students are given the opportunity to explore STEM pathways early,” said Dwayne Sattler, Chief Executive Officer of CEF. “They are not simply learning science concepts—they are becoming problem-solvers, innovators, and future leaders. Their creativity, teamwork, and commitment to improving their communities give us tremendous confidence in the future.”
More than 13,000 students participated in this year’s Challenge cycle through regional and virtual competitions. This year’s Challenge theme, “You Be The Solution: Explore Health Sciences to Develop a
Sustainable Solution to Improve the Local Community,” inspired students to investigate pressing health and environmental issues affecting communities across North America. The Challenge gives students the opportunity to explore STEM pathways early, helping them build confidence, solve real-world problems, and begin seeing themselves as part of the future STEM workforce.
CEF extends its heartfelt thanks to Presenting Sponsor Olin, Trailblazer Sponsor Brenntag, and Innovator Sponsors AFPM, Azelis, Corteva Agriscience, EMCO, Halliburton Charitable Foundation, Hawkins Inc., LyondellBasell, and Shell USA. CEF is also grateful to all Ambassadors, Allies, Advocates, and new STEM Standout supporters, as well as the volunteers, educators, parents, and industry partners whose support made this year’s National Challenge possible.
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CEF is a national nonprofit dedicated to creating exciting futures in STEM. For over 35 years, CEF has partnered with industry leaders and volunteers to engage more than 5.7 million students across the country—with 100% of scholarship recipients pursuing STEM fields after high school.
