by Dwayne Sattler, CEO

As the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF) reflects on more than 35-years of impact, we celebrate the powerful legacy we have built together, engaging more than 5.2 million students through hands-on science learning. This milestone also marks the launch of an exciting new chapter, with strategic updates ensuring that CEF’s positioning, partnerships, and programs align with today’s K–8 science standards and future workforce needs.

While the building blocks of chemistry remain CEF’s program pillars, the organization is evolving to meet the broader needs of students, employers, and funders—needs that demand a future-focused approach to STEM education. These updates increase CEF’s visibility in the STEM landscape, honor our legacy, and expand program impact that long-time supporters helped build.

What Is Today’s Education Landscape and Why Must CEF Adapt?

  • Early STEM Access Builds Careers: STEM careers are growing rapidly, with 50% not requiring a four-year degree. CEF introduces students to opportunities up and down the career ladder—from skilled trades to technical and college-based professions—aligning programs and messaging with workforce needs of our industry partners and supporting student success at every level.
  • Broader Student Appeal: A full-spectrum STEM focus fosters greater student engagement across diverse backgrounds and academic interests.
  • Alignment with Education Standards: CEF’s integrated STEM programming reflects best practices in teaching and provides enrichment opportunities for students.

 What Is Staying the Same?

  • Chemistry remains CEF’s Program Pillar: Chemistry serves as an accessible entry point into broader STEM exploration with 100% of Activity Guides including a “Chemistry in Action” section highlighting “Real-World Applications” and “Careers in Chemistry”.
  • Commitment to Access and Equity: For 35 years, CEF has prioritized K–8 students, ensuring access for all regardless of background or geography.
  • Positive Community Impact: 94% of CEF program volunteers are chemical industry employees who share career testimonials and industry impact. CEF volunteer opportunities foster stronger relationships between our industry partners and their local communities.

 What Is CEF Changing?

  • Positioning CEF as a gateway to diverse STEM careers, aligning brand, messaging, and partnerships with evolving educational standards and workforce needs.
  • Launching a new tagline and digital presence: Creating Exciting Futures in STEM, featured on our new domain CEFinSTEM.org to better reflect our mission.
  • Renaming our Challenge program from You Be The Chemist to the You Be The Solution Challenge, aligning with middle school education standards with a focus on science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
  • Renaming our Activity Guides to Adventure Guides to better reflect the spirit of exploration and discovery at the center of our hands-on learning model.

We deeply value your unwavering support and recognize the powerful legacy we have built together. Your continued partnership plays a vital role in creating even greater opportunities for students across the country.

Thank you for being an essential part of the CEF community. Together, we are Creating Exciting Futures in STEM!