The Maker Challenge
A programme for young people local to White City, offering you opportunity to develop an idea and see it through to creation.
At a glance
- Dates: 13 Jan – 23 March
- Group A (Tuesdays) OR Group B (Thursdays)
- Non-residential (takes place at the Dangoor Reach Out Makerspace)
- For young people local to or near White City
- Applications are now open
- Applications close: 7 January 2024
About the Maker Challenge
This programme gives you the chance to develop an idea and see it through to creation. With access to cutting edge technologies, you will learn to use a range of making tools and techniques with the support of our staff and students.
You will gain a range of skills from practical, hands-on use of equipment to a myriad of soft skills including product development, team-building, presenting and communicating. At the end of the programme there will also be a showcase of the projects for your parents, teachers and families to see.
What to expect
The Maker Challenge runs throughout the year with programmes during each school term and the summer holidays. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, sessions will be delivered at the Makerspace at reduced capacity and with social distancing precautions.
The Dangoor Reach Out Makerspace is a dedicated space for young people, containing tools such as 3D printers, laser cutter, scanners, traditional woodworking machinery, hand tools and craft materials. There is a workshop space and design studio, staffed by our dedicated Makerspace team.
Find out about the Maker Challenge at the Makerspace
Applicant information
Eligibility criteria
To attend this programme, you must:
- Be 14-18 years old
- Live in London (applicants local to White City prioritised)
- Be available to attend all sessions, as listed in the 'How to apply' section
You must not have previously completed the Maker Challenge programme to be eligible.
How to apply
Applications for the Maker Challenge programme are now open.
The programme takes place over 11 weeks between 13 January and 23 March. There are two groups to choose from: Group A takes place on Tuesdays, and Group B takes place on Thursdays. Weekday sessions are 5-8pm and weekend workshops are 10am-4pm. There are four weekend dates including the finale showcase on Saturday 23 March. Workshops take place at the Dangoor Reach Out Makerspace in White City.
Programme dates
Group A (Tuesdays):
- January dates - Saturday 13 January, Tuesday 16 January, Tuesday 23 January, Saturday 27 January, Tuesday 30 January
- February dates - Tuesday 6 February, Saturday 10 February, Tuesday 13 February, Tuesday 20 February, Tuesday 27 February
- March dates - Tuesday 5 March, Tuesday 12 March, Tuesday 19 March
- Finale showcase on Saturday 23 March
Group B (Thursdays):
- January dates - Saturday 13 January, Thursday 18 January, Thursday 25 January, Sunday 28 January
- February dates – Thursday 1 February, Thursday 8 February, Saturday 10 February, Thursday 15 February, Thursday 22 February, Thursday 29 February
- March dates - Thursday 7 March, Thursday 14 March, Thursday 21 March
- Finale showcase on Saturday 23 March
Please select your chosen day when applying online:
- Group A (Tuesdays) OR
- Group B (Thursdays)
Lunch/a hot dinner is provided and all materials needed for the programme are included. If you have any barriers to applying, please contact us at makerspace@imperial.ac.uk as we are keen to accommodate you on our programme.
If you think your participation in this programme / event will not be possible due to the costs associated with travel to our campus, please get in touch with the programme team, no later than a week before the event, and they will be happy to discuss these circumstances with you.
Application deadline: Sunday 7 January 2024
Application process
Applications need to be made through the Aspire application system. Please see our Applicant FAQs for more information.
You will need to create a personal account prior to making an application.
Please be aware that Aspire may not work properly on Internet Explorer, so we advise you to use Google Chrome when applying.
Please do inform your parent/guardian of your interest in the programme before making an application. They may wish to read our Parent and Guardian FAQS.
Making your application
You will need to know:
- whether you are eligible for free school meals
- your household income
- whether your parents/guardians have attended university
- your parent/guardian contact details (email, address, phone number); and
Please do inform your parent/guardian of your interest in the programme before making an application. They may wish to read our parent/guardian FAQs.
If you have any questions, or are having problems with your application, please do contact the Makerspace team by email at makerspace@imperial.ac.uk and they will be able to help you.
Personal statement
In your application, we may ask you to submit a personal statement but do not worry - we do not use this to choose applicants. We are just curious about what you already make or would like to make. It helps us plan and make sure we have the correct materials and tools ready for you in the Makerspace.
You can write up to 250 words, but how much you write is entirely up to you.
You could include:
- Why you want to join
- If there is anything you particularly enjoy making
- Any relevant hobbies you enjoy
- How the programme may help you in the future
- Something interesting about yourself that you would like to share
Please sign up to our newsletter so you do not miss any opportunities.
Contact us
Have a question or problem? Please see our Outreach Programme FAQs.
If you are still unsure, please contact our dedicated Makerspace team. They are responsible for the running of the space and associated programmes.
Email: makerspace@imperial.ac.uk
Phone: +44 (0)751 755 1996
