NanoChallenge targets high-achieving students with an aptitude for science, technology, engineering or mathematics. Selected students are invited to our Center to attend orientation sessions, receive laboratory and technology training and participate in a hands-on research project. Students will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, receive a stipend and work under the guidance of our team of scientists, professors, engineering students and Nano-CEMMS education staff.

To be eligible for NanoChallenge: a Research Experience for Students, students must meet the following requirements:

• U.S. Citizen or permanent resident
• Currently a junior in high school
• Interest in science, technology, engineering or mathematics
• Nominated for this program by a high school teacher, counselor, principal or program director

NanoChallenge participants will conduct research once a week after school, typically on Wednesdays from 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm. Students will play the role of engineers and work on a current topic in nanoscience. If all program requirements are met, student researchers will receive an hourly stipend.

Applications for the NanoChallenge program are currently being accepted. The application deadline is Monday, September 15th. Visit the online application to apply for this year’s program. Applicants will be asked to provide the name of a teacher, counselor or principal on their application who has agreed to serve as a reference. Once the application has been submitted, this person will receive an e-mail with a link to an online evaluation form. You can also download the program's official poster for more information.

*Participation in NanoChallenge at UIUC is extended to, but not limited to, students who are African American, Native American Indian, Mexican American, Puerto Rican and female.