USNCO Coaching Program
High school students who are eligible to compete in the USNCO are invited to apply for the USNCO Coaching program. USNCO Coaches are high school and colege educators who will work in teams to lead small group study sessions. Two coaches will work with approximately 10 students at each session. Each group will remain the same throughout the program.
Applications are no longer accepted for 2025 USNCO Coaching program.
Students who applied and were selected will be informed if they will receive coaching by Monday, January 6, 2025.
Applications from students who are female, African-American, Hispanic, Native American, Pacific Islanders, or from other groups not currently well represented among National Exam nominees are particularly encouraged.
Who is a good candidate for coaching?
- High school (9, 10, 11, and 12 grades) students
- Students who are currently or were previously enrolled in a chemistry course
- Students who are among the first in their schools to participate in the USNCO
- Students who would not otherwise have access to coaching/tutoring
- Students who have not previously attended USNCO Study Camp.
What is the schedule of coaching sessions?
- Friday, January 10, 2025 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET
- Friday, January 24, 2025 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET
- Friday, February 7, 2025 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET
- Friday, February 21, 2025 - 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM ET
How will students be chosen?
- The members of the USNCO staff will review applications based on student's availability, commitment, motivation, and need for coaching.
- Applications will not be chosen based on current academic marks
- Students who are not selected can find additional resources on the USNCO website
View Coaching Tutorials
Slides from the 2020/2021 and 2022 and videos from 2024 tutorial sessions are shared below. All students can benefit from the USNCO past tutorial slides even if they are not selected for coaching.
2020-2021 Coaching Tutorials
Apply to Become a Coach
Coaching sessions will be organized over Zoom and coordinated by the American Chemical Society. 30 minute tutorials will be followed by 1 hour and 30 minutes of small group work in breakout rooms. Up to 40 coaches will be available, coaches will work in teams of two, and each team will work with approximately 10 high school students at a time. Coaching teams will be the same throughout the season.
All coaches are asked to attend all coaching sessions for the full two hours. Compensation for coaches will be $500 for the whole season (4 sessions). Applications will be reviewed by volunteers from the USNCO governing subgroup. Coaches must be current or retired high school chemistry teachers, university professors or industry professionals with teaching experience in chemistry, and may have private tutoring engagements. The experience with USNCO is welcome but not mandatory. Please share this opportunity broadly.
Once selected, coaches must complete the background check to be in compliance with the ACS Youth Protection Policy.
The application for USNCO Coach is closed. If you are interested in helping students prepare for the USNCO Exams please contact your local USNCO Coordinator.
Find Your Coordinator
