ARLINGTON, VA — CEF is proud to recognize the 2026 State Winners of the You Be The Solution Challenge, a national STEM competition that empowers students in grades 5–8 to solve real-world problems through science, collaboration, and creativity.
The 2025–2026 Challenge cycle kicked off in October, engaging more than 13,000 students across the country. Throughout the year, CEF hosted 25 in-person Regional Challenges and two Virtual events, culminating in student-created video submissions.
This year’s theme challenged students to explore health sciences to develop a sustainable innovation to improve their local community. Students rose to the occasion, demonstrating scientific understanding, empathy, and ingenuity through thoughtful, real-world solutions.
The 2026 State Winners represent outstanding student teams from across the country and reflect the creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving skills that define the Challenge experience.
“We continue to be inspired by the ideas and energy students bring to this program each year,” said Dwayne Sattler, Chief Executive Officer of CEF. “These students are not only learning STEM—they are applying it in meaningful ways that connect to real-world challenges and future opportunities.”
A full list of 2026 State Winners is available here, where team videos can also be viewed.
