RET Program
Apply now for the 2025 Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program!

RET Program: Summer 2025

The Research Experience for Teachers (RET) Program returns for Summer 2025! This program immerses high school and community college science teachers in hands-on nanotechnology research and curriculum development at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities campus.

Participants receive a stipend, classroom supplies support, and funding for travel to a spring RET workshop. No prior scientific research experience is required. This program is part of the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI) network, sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

Program Overview

  • 6 weeks during the summer (June 16th to July 25th, 2025):
    • Lab work at the University collaborating with faculty on research projects
    • Developing a nanoscience-related classroom activity
  • 1 week during the school year:
    • A classroom visit by the RET coordinator
    • Sharing experiences with RET cohorts from Georgia Tech and the University of Nebraska at the Georgia Tech RET Network meeting in Spring 2026

RET Program Benefits:

  • $8,000 summer stipend
  • Travel support to Georgia Tech for the RET Network meeting
  • Travel and registration support for presenting at the MnCOSE conference
  • Classroom materials support
  • Hands-on research experience in a nanotechnology lab
  • Mentorship from faculty advisors and graduate students

Participant Requirements:

  • Complete the summer research experience
  • Attend all meetings, workshops, and seminars
  • Adapt and implement a nanoscience-related instructional unit in the classroom
  • Attend the MnSTA Conference

Eligibility
Note: This is a nonresidential program, so participants should be within ~100 miles of the UMN Minneapolis campus.

High School Teacher Applicants:

  • Teach grades 9-12 science or technology
  • Have at least two years of teaching experience

Community/Technical College Faculty Applicants:

  • Teach science or engineering at a two-year institution
  • Have at least two years of teaching experience

Application Deadline: April 18, 2025
Here you will find the link to the application. For questions, contact Claire Dietz at [email protected].