OS Nanotechnology and Nano Check-Out Program (NanoCo)

Oakland Schools received a CTN grant to support a countywide initiative to provide equitable access to applied nanotechnology education and prepare students for high-demand careers in advanced manufacturing, medicine, electronics, and energy. Oakland Schools will use CTN funds to build on the success of its STEMi Mobile Innovation Lab and STEM Check-Out Program. The proposal encompasses a two-year nanotechnology initiative. In Year One (2026–27), funds would support the launch of the Nanotechnology Check-Out Program (NanoCo), providing portable nanotechnology equipment and instructional resources to grades 6–12 classrooms across all 28 districts. This phase would allow immediate student engagement, educator readiness, and outcome data collection. In Year Two (2028), funds would support the launch and initial instructional use of the Oakland Schools Nanotechnology Laboratory at the Oakland Schools Technical Campus Southeast in Royal Oak. The laboratory would serve as a centralized, countywide resource for advanced instruction, CTE program support, and curriculum development.