Jack Lee, a sixth grader from David E. Owens Middle School in New Milford, New Jersey, competed against 29 other fifth to eighth grade students to win the New Jersey state You Be The Chemist Challenge. He will represent New Jersey at the 11th annual National You Be The Chemist Challenge in Philadelphia on June 22.

Developed by the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF), the Challenge is a question and answer competition that allows students to test their knowledge of chemistry concepts and real-world applications as the students compete to represent their state on a national level.

BASF Corporation and Brenntag North America are sponsors of the National Challenge. Both companies also sponsored the New Jersey state competition, which was held at BASF’s North American headquarters in Florham Park.

“As the world’s largest chemical company, BASF understands the importance of engaging students in science education at an early age,” said Robin Rotenberg, Vice President of Communications for BASF in North America. “Our strength as a company lies in our ability to find innovative solutions to meet the needs of the future. It is essential that we support and develop the best scientific and technical talents.”

“The students in the Challenge consistently impress us with their level of knowledge and enthusiasm,” said Tom Corcoran, Senior Vice President of Brenntag North America. “It is rewarding to see industry members and educators playing such a key role in motivating students to learn both inside and outside of the classroom, and to discover the ways chemistry is embedded in their everyday lives.”

At the national competition on June 22, the top four finalists will receive scholarships totaling $18,500.

“Competing in the Challenge can spark a lifelong interest in chemistry and other scientific fields, even before a student reaches high school,” said CEF Executive Director John Rice. “The competition shows students the immediate relevance of the science concepts they are studying. Challenge participants learn about the role of chemistry in the human body, in energy production, in creating new types of recyclable materials, and a variety of other applications – which is a wonderful introduction to the vast array of scientific careers available to them in the future.”