The Illinois Chemical Education Foundation is pleased to announce that it is a member partner on Schoolinks.com. 

We will be posting all of our upcoming events (Free STEM), scholarship opportunities and teacher opportunities on to the Schoolinks website. 

Make sure your district connects with us so you get timely information.

Of course, you will still be able to see all of the information on our website under the Illinois CEF tab.

Save the Date: 2024 National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security – September 25-26

For the third year in a row, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) will host the National Summit on K-12 School Safety and Security. This virtual event brings together K-12 school leaders and practitioners to discuss and share actionable recommendations that enhance safe and supportive learning environments.

The 2024 Summit will feature panel discussions, sessions and keynote speakers covering topics such as understanding and preventing youth violence, protecting K-12 networks, youth online safety, supporting student mental health, emergency planning and physical security, and restorative and intervention practices.

This free event is open to anyone with a passion for improving school safety but will be of particular interest to K-12 school and district administrators; principals and superintendents; school-based law enforcement; teachers and school staff; mental health practitioners; first responders; federal, state, local, tribal and territorial government partners; and other school safety and security professionals.

The 2024 Summit will be held on September 25 and 26. Registration will open in late July. For more information, please visit: cisa.gov/national-school-safety-summit. 

A Journey of Enrichment and Inspiration: My 13-Year Quest with the You Be The Chemist Challenge®

For the past 13 years, my life as an educator has been intertwined with a remarkable journey: the You Be The Chemist Challenge. This challenge has not only enriched my students' lives but has also transformed my teaching approach and brought the world of STEM closer to young minds.

When I started participating in the Challenge over a decade ago, little did I know the profound impact it would have on both my students and me. The Challenge provided a unique opportunity to equip my students with vital skills they would need as they stepped into the professional world. It wasn't just about science facts; it was about instilling skills like critical thinking, collaboration, time management, and effective communication—skills that transcend textbooks and are essential for success in any career.

When the Challenge transitioned from an individual to a team-based structure several years ago, a whole new group of students found their gateway to STEM education. The collaborative nature of the challenge allowed these students to shine. The video-making aspect, in particular, was a hit among my creative students. It wasn't just about science; it was about merging creativity and knowledge. Through this process, they learned to work with others, manage their time efficiently, acknowledge and celebrate each other's strengths, and connect with the community around them.

Witnessing my students compete as a team was an absolute joy. Their personalities illuminated the room as they answered questions and worked together to solve challenges. The excitement they exuded was contagious; it was a vivid reminder of why I chose to be an educator in the first place. There's something magical about seeing young minds excited about science—it's a testament to the fact that learning can be both enriching and fun.

Participating in the Challenge also opened doors to a world of STEM careers for my students. The volunteers who support the challenge are passionate STEM professionals who willingly share their journeys and encourage our students every step of the way. Knowing that there are professionals outside of the classroom who genuinely care about their growth and development is incredibly powerful for my students. It broadens their horizons and gives them a glimpse of the opportunities that await them beyond their school years.

However, the benefits of this journey extend beyond my students—it has also enriched my professional life. Through the Challenge, I've had the privilege of connecting with fellow educators from across the country. The struggles we face are universal, and through networking and collaboration, we've found innovative ways to overcome them. This sense of community is invaluable, reminding me that I'm not alone in this mission to educate and inspire.

As I reflect on the past 13 years, I'm filled with gratitude for the You Be The Chemist Challenge and the impact it has had on my students, my teaching approach, and my professional growth. It has ignited a passion for STEM in my students before they reach the crossroads of choosing their career paths. It has shown me that teaching goes beyond textbooks—it's about fostering skills, sparking curiosity, and creating lifelong learners.

To all the educators out there, I encourage you to seek out opportunities like the You Be The Chemist Challenge. The journey might start with your students, but it will undoubtedly lead to growth, inspiration, and lasting connections for you as well.

The Challenge's impact on me led to my transition this summer from the classroom to support CEF's programs. As a member of the team, I’m eager to support other educators with the necessary tools to empower their students the way my involvement with the Challenge has inspired me.

To learn more about the challenge go to: https://www.chemed.org/programs/challenge/

To see the Challenge in action, go to: https://youtu.be/xNJTxxO5wr4?si=goRqT5Y7n7tyCOeI

Reach out to [email protected] if you have any questions.

Nicole Domingues, CEF Program Manager