CEF in STEM

CEF in STEM Creating Exciting Futures in STEM by igniting a passion for science in K-8 students through our FREE programs!

For 35 years, CEF has been inspiring K-8 students, engaging educators, and strengthening communities through our free programs and resources. When it comes to preparing the STEM workforce – those industries relying on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics – often the focus is on students in high school and post-secondary education. However, research tells us that if students aren’t inspired by science when they are young, it gets increasingly harder to engage them in learning and careers in STEM industries. CEF’s programs uniquely connect business and education in local communities to reach students early in life and ignite a passion for science-related careers.

09/18/2026

Guide to Greatness: Prep like a pro!

In this edition of our Summer STEM Snapshot, we’re highlighting ways you can use the CEF Adventure Guides™ to help students prepare for the CEF You Be The Solution Challenge™!

Hands-on activities like Balloon Rockets, Grasping for Air, and Marshmallow Launcher help students practice the Engineering Design Process, test ideas, solve problems, and refine solutions—skills they’ll use to tackle real-world challenges and create their team video.

Mark Your Calendar:
• Oct. 1: Challenge Registration opens
• Jan. 20: Team composition & agreements due
• Mar. 26: Video & storyboard submissions due

Download this and all our free CEF Adventure Guides™ today and start exploring: https://bit.ly/4vZvZDi

Registration for the most exciting, hands-on STEM competition for middle school students opens October 1—just two weeks ...
09/17/2026

Registration for the most exciting, hands-on STEM competition for middle school students opens October 1—just two weeks away!

The 2026–27 CEF You Be The Solution Challenge™ gives students in grades 5–8 the chance to explore FORCE & MOTION through science, entrepreneurship, and teamwork.

Working in teams of three or four, students strengthen collaboration, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills while discovering the endless possibilities of STEM careers.

Get your students excited to set things in motion!

This week of celebrating Larry's Legacy, we want to not only share stories of impact but also want to hear from you!Who ...
09/16/2026

This week of celebrating Larry's Legacy, we want to not only share stories of impact but also want to hear from you!

Who cultivated your love for STEM? Share their name in the comments below or tag them so we can celebrate the people who inspired your STEM journey together!

READY. SET. SHOP.Big STEM ideas often start with something small—a notebook, a pen, or a tool that sparks curiosity.As w...
09/15/2026

READY. SET. SHOP.

Big STEM ideas often start with something small—a notebook, a pen, or a tool that sparks curiosity.

As we prepare for the 2026–27 CEF You Be The Solution Challenge™, you can help us gather the supplies and STEM-themed keepsakes that bring the student experience to life.

Shop CEF’s Student STEM Gift List and help set ideas in motion for thousands of students across the country: https://bit.ly/CEFamazonGiftList

09/11/2026

STEM is ready to soar!

Looking for meaningful opportunities for your students to get involved in their community? Check out the STEM Next Flight Crew Initiative, designed for teens ages 13–18.

Every innovation begins with seeing a problem as an opportunity.That mindset is at the heart of the CEF You Be The Solut...
09/11/2026

Every innovation begins with seeing a problem as an opportunity.

That mindset is at the heart of the CEF You Be The Solution Challenge™, where students observe, analyze and develop solutions to real-world problems. The same curiosity and problem-solving skills are used every day in technical careers.

What problem has your industry challenged you to solve? Share your experience and help students see where curiosity can lead.

Explore career pathways, education requirements and trusted resources through CEF Career Conversations™: https://lnkd.in/e5m-7dB7.

Happy Birthday, Larry! Today, we honor Larry’s legacy through action. His commitment to inspiring the next generation re...
09/09/2026

Happy Birthday, Larry!

Today, we honor Larry’s legacy through action. His commitment to inspiring the next generation reminds us that making an impact starts with showing up.

In honor of Larry’s birthday, we’re challenging our community to volunteer their time, share their passion, and inspire someone else this school year.

Take the STEM Volunteer Pledge and commit your time to supporting students in STEM. Whether you can give a few minutes, a day, or more, every commitment is an opportunity to make a difference.

Take the pledge today and help carry Larry’s legacy forward through action:

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=f-7vkYeMHk6vGbDdgm4s4trTIJywrrJGu178TLdulS9UQ0M0QlhKWkhaMzVESTdBWkc4WFlLRkhDRSQlQCN0PWcu&route=shorturl

The best time of the year is almost here!SAVE THE DATE for the 26–27 Challenge Cycle!Get ready for an exciting, team-bas...
09/03/2026

The best time of the year is almost here!

SAVE THE DATE for the 26–27 Challenge Cycle!

Get ready for an exciting, team-based STEM competition where teams of 3–4 students in grades 5–8 put their creativity, critical thinking, communication, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving skills to the test and make impact in our communities!

🗓️ Registration opens October 1! So, start getting your team together and get ready to put your force and motion into action! 😉

When we think of dedication and volunteerism, one name comes to mind: Larry Sernyk.Larry dedicated his life to empowerin...
09/01/2026

When we think of dedication and volunteerism, one name comes to mind: Larry Sernyk.

Larry dedicated his life to empowering others, especially students, and inspired them to discover a love and passion for STEM. During his career at Dow, he helped organize the company’s STEM Ambassador initiative and co-led the group from 2010 to 2014. His commitment to education, service, and the next generation made an impact that will continue to grow.

Larry passed away this past May, but his legacy lives on. In honor of his birthday on September 9, CEF is dedicating the month of September to celebrating Larry, his life, and his lasting contributions.

And we invite you to be part of that legacy!

Stay tuned for our upcoming volunteer drive and discover how you can help us continue Larry’s work by growing STEM opportunities for the next generation.

Together, we can keep Larry’s passion for STEM and service growing. 💚

This week’s Back to STEM Pick: Stickers!They're a fun way for students to celebrate their involvement in STEM and share ...
08/31/2026

This week’s Back to STEM Pick: Stickers!

They're a fun way for students to celebrate their involvement in STEM and share their enthusiasm with classmates, friends, and family about the programs they are part of.

As part of the Student STEM Gift List, donations like these help support thousands of students across North America as they explore STEM concepts, discover future career pathways, and build real-world problem-solving skills.

Shop the Student STEM Gift List and help inspire the next generation of innovators:

https://bit.ly/CEFamazonGiftList.

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Arlington, VA
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