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
- Summer Intake Dates: 27 July – 06 Aug OR 10–20 Aug
- 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: 05 July 2026.
Applications for the Maker Challenge programme are now open.
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.
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
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.
Applications for the Maker Challenge programme are now open
The programme takes place over 9 days during the summer holidays. There are two groups to choose from; Group A takes place from 27 July to 06 August (plus Saturday 22 August for showcase), and Group B takes place from 10 August to 20 August (plus Saturday 22 August for showcase). Sessions are Monday to Friday from 10:00 am - 16:00 pm and lunch is provided. Workshops take place at the Dangoor Reach Out Makerspace in White City.
Programme dates
-
Group A (27/07/26– 06/08/26)
- July dates- Monday 27 July, Tuesday 28 July, Wednesday 29 July, Thursday 30 July, Friday 31 July
- August dates - Monday 03 August, Tuesday 04 August, Wednesday 05 August, Thursday 06 August
- Finale showcase on Saturday 22 August
Group B (10/08/26 – 20/08/26):
- August dates – Monday 10 August, Tuesday 11 August, Wednesday 12 August, Thursday 13 August, Friday 14 August, Monday 17 August, Tuesday 18 August, Wednesday 19 August, Thursday 20 August
- Finale showcase on Saturday 22 August
Please select your chosen day when applying online:
- Group A (27/07/26 – 06/08/26) OR
- Group B (10/08/26 – 20/08/26)
Application deadline: Sunday 05 July 2026
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.
Please check you can attend all the dates listed above before applying.
At the Makerspace, we value and nurture individuality, creativity and novel ideas. In light of this, we strongly discourage the use of OpenAI software such as ChatGPT to generate (and then copy, paste and submit) all or a large part of your personal statement/application answers and then present it as your own words. Doing so could negatively affect your chances of being accepted onto the 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 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
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
Hear from students who’ve taken part in our Makerspace programmes!
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