USNCO Coaching Program
View Coaching Tutorials
Slides from the 2020/2021 and 2022 and videos from 2024-2025 tutorial sessions are shared below. All students can benefit from the USNCO past tutorial slides even if they are not selected for coaching.
2025 Coaching Tutorials
2020-2021 Coaching Tutorials
Apply to Become a USNCO Coach
Applications for 2026 USNCO Coach position are no longer accepted.
The US National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) coaching program helps studemts prepare high school students for the USNCO local and national examinations every year.
Coaching sessions take place on Zoom, and coaches work in pairs to support approximately 10 high school students at a time. Coaching teams are be the same throughout the season. Four sessions of 2h each take place every other Friday in January and February, leading up to the local section exam in February-March.Coaching sessions are organized and coordinated by the American Chemical Society. 30 minute tutorials are followed by 1 hour and 30 minutes of small group work in breakout rooms.
All coaches are required to attend all coaching sessions for the full two hours. Compensation for coaches will is $500 for the whole season (4 sessions). Applications will be reviewed by volunteers from the USNCO Coaching Task Force.
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.
If you are interested in other ways of helping students prepare for the USNCO Exams please contact your local USNCO Coordinator.
Apply for your student to participate in UNSCO Coaching Program
Applications for 2026 USNCO Coaching program are no longer accepted.
Students can still be registered by their parents to participate in the 2026 USNCO competition
The US National Chemistry Olympiad (USNCO) coaching program helps prepare high school students for the USNCO local and national examinations.
USNCO Coaches are high school teachers, college educators and industry professional with teaching experience who work in teams to lead small group study sessions. Two coaches work with approximately 10 students at each session. Each group remains the same throughout the program.
Coaching sessions take place online, four sessions of 2h each take place every other Friday in January and February, leading up to the local section exam in February-March.Coaching sessions are organized and coordinated by the American Chemical Society. 30 minute tutorials are followed by 1 hour and 30 minutes of small group work in breakout rooms.
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.
How are the students chosen?
- The members of the USNCO staff review applications based on student's commitment, motivation, demonstrated need for coaching, and availability.
- Applicants are not chosen based on current academic marks
- Students who are not selected can find additional resources on the USNCO website
