A Message From Our Executive Director – COVID-19

CEF has continued to monitor the challenges related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic while keeping the health and safety of our students, teachers, and volunteers at the forefront of our minds. Based on recent news, and out of an abundance of caution, it is with great sadness and disappointment that I announce the cancelation of the National CEF STEM Summit and National You Be The Chemist Challenge® scheduled for June 14-17 in Houston, TX.

This decision was driven by guidance from the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, federal, state, and local authorities, and the suspensions and restrictions implemented by many schools across the country. Additionally, this decision was grounded in our commitment to those we serve and prioritizing their wellbeing above all else.

More than 36,000 students from across the country have participated in CEF’s new team-based You Be The Chemist Challenge so far this year, thanks to the dedication of hundreds of teachers and industry volunteers. We fully recognize the hard work our students, teachers, and volunteers have put in up to this point to prepare their team(s) to create a video to be submitted for consideration at the national level. We are so proud of the accomplishments made by all students so far this Challenge cycle, and share the disappointment in the need to cancel the year’s culminating event.

While the National Challenge event is canceled, at this time, the national level of the Challenge (in which student teams create a video with the guidance of an Advisor) is suspended until April 30. We will provide an update by April 15 regarding the national level of competition. No teams should work on videos or meet with Advisors during this timeframe.

In addition, all Essential Elements workshops have been suspended through April 30, with an update to be provided to Certified Instructors on April 15.

Thank you for your patience and understanding during this uncertain time. Please do not hesitate to reach out directly to me or a member of the CEF staff if you have questions.

Sincerely,
Dwayne Sattler
Executive Director