17STRONG Nanogrants empower Hamilton students to turn their ideas into meaningful projects that bring people together and make a difference in our neighborhoods.
Youth Nanogrants · 2026–2027
What is a Nanogrant?
Nanogrants are a student-led community engagement experience. Students explore Hamilton’s neighborhoods, identify a need or opportunity, research possible solutions, build a realistic plan, and present their proposal to 17STRONG.
Once approved, each school’s project receives funding, guidance, and community connections to help students turn their ideas into action.
Their ideas matter now.
The goal is not simply to purchase something. Students experience the full journey from an idea to a positive community impact.
Program timeline:
October 2026–May 2027
From Idea to Impact
Identify –> Imagine –> Research –> Plan –> Present –> Implement –> Celebrate!
Nanogrants are available through participating schools in the City of Hamilton. Students develop the projects, while their school serves as the applicant and project partner.
Who Can Participate?
Research, budgeting, and teamwork
Creative problem-solving
Community engagement and responsibility
How ideas move from planning to action
What Students Learn
Community events and activities
Service and neighborhood projects
Public-space improvements
Creative ideas that connect residents
What It Can Fund
Projects for student-only use
Classroom or operating expenses
Permit fees and insurance costs
Projects without public community benefit
What Is Not Eligible
Student Presentation
Students explain the need they identified, their proposed solution, who will benefit, what they learned, the budget and timeline, student responsibilities, what success will look like, and what support is needed.
One collaborative project per school: Each participating school will develop and implement one shared Nanogrant project during the program year.
Broad student voice: Schools should give the broader student body meaningful opportunities to learn about the program and contribute ideas or input.
Student-led from idea to action: Students should remain actively involved in researching, planning, presenting, implementing, and celebrating their project.
Public community benefit: Projects must be publicly accessible and primarily benefit Hamilton residents, neighborhoods, or community spaces.
Complete project proposal: Proposals should include the identified need, proposed solution, community benefit, realistic budget, timeline, student responsibilities, community involvement, and how success will be measured.
Purchasing approval: No purchases, vendor commitments, or project expenses should be made until the project is approved and the purchasing or reimbursement process is confirmed.
Maintenance and sustainability: Lasting improvements must identify responsibility for maintenance, repair, and replacement.
Feasibility and approvals: Before developing a proposal, students and their school should research the proposed location, permissions, restrictions, costs, and long-term considerations. Projects involving public property, installations, or another organization must be discussed with the appropriate department, property owner, or community partner.
Project Requirements
Participating schools should review the complete guidelines, including key requirements, eligible expenses, approvals, maintenance responsibilities, and general grant policies.
Review the Complete Nanogrant Guidelines
2026–2027 Participating Schools
Students participate in the program through their school.
Brookwood Elementary
Garfield Middle School
St. Ann Catholic School
Wilson Middle School
Hamilton High School
Nanogrants are coordinated through participating schools. For additional information, contact Sara Silva at sara.silva@hamilton-oh.gov
Questions?