Illinois Chemical Education Foundation

The education outreach activities of the Chemical Industry Council of Illinois (CICI) are conducted through the Illinois Chemical Education Foundation (ICEF), a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit foundation.

ICEF Programs

Career Conference

The Career Conference, held annually at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, is a three-part program designed to introduce high school and junior high school students to careers in the chemical industry and the concept of sound science. The program includes a glass blowing demonstration; a chemistry demonstration show called Weird Science by Glenn Lid and a hands-on, interactive industry exhibit area. To date, approximately over 75,000 students have attended the Career Conference.

Scholarship Program

Every spring the Foundation presents scholarships to Illinois high school and undergraduate science students. The $2,000 scholarships are presented to students who demonstrate academic excellence in the pursuit of a science-related career.

ICEF also annually awards a $3,000 Davidson Award to the top high school chemistry teacher in Illinois. Selection of the Davidson recipient is based on a written application, peer recommendations, student interviews, and an in-class visit by representatives from the selection committee.

For application information, please go to the ICEF scholarship pages.

You Be The Chemist Challenge - State Event

ICEF is the State of Illinois' coordinator for You Be The Chemist Challenge (YBTCC). In 2003, the Chemical Education Foundation (CEF) created an exciting new program geared toward educating youth about chemistry. The premise of the Challenge was to create a question-and-answer academic competition, similar in format to spelling bees and quiz bowls, which would test grade 5-8 students on important chemistry concepts, historical discoveries, and safety awareness tips. Over the years, the Challenge has changed from an individual student competition to a school team-style competition. 

Please email ICEF at Illinois.cef@gmail with any questions regarding the programs of the Illinois Chemical Education Foundation.