Washington, D.C.—Last night, the U.S. House of Representatives approved $500,000 for Nanotechnology Research Internships in Illinois.  Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) requested these funds as part of the FY 2009 Energy and Water Appropriations.  This bill now moves to the Senate for consideration before it can become law.

“I am pleased that the House approved funding for the Nanotechnology Research Internships in Illinois.  This internship program will help us maintain our competitive edge in the field of science and technology,” said U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky.  “This program will help reverse the shortfall of graduates with advanced degrees in science and help raise awareness of the career opportunities that are available in the nanotechnology industry.”

The NanoBusiness Alliance requested these funds to develop and fund internships for high school students in the Chicagoland area with nanotechnology companies in the area.  The project will develop an outreach program to educate regional high school students about nanotechnology and solicit applications, placing a particular emphasis on reaching out to female students.  The project will culminate in a publicly accessible nanotech event during which students will have the opportunity to present their work and what they learned during their internship.