Ok, Bridge STEM enthusiasts, this one’s definitely for you! Get a very rare behind-the-scenes look inside Argonne National Laboratory. Originally built in 1946, Argonne is a multidisciplinary science and engineering research center where leading scientists and engineers work together to answer the biggest questions facing humanity. What are those questions? Sign up and attend to find out! Researchers will focus our tour on the Supercomputer

‘Aurora.’ It’s so big that it needed an entire building to house it. It consists of 60 racks that are each 8 ft. tall and 8 rows across, and requires 300 miles of cable. It weighs 600 tons too. Aurora can complete quintillion calculations of math per second and has the capacity to power a small city, about 25,000 households. You get the picture - this is a really big deal. Find out more HERE! This is also a super program, which means the duration is longer than usual. The Bridge will also provide water for each student. Also, this is a federal facility, so specific requirements MUST be met from ALL participants. Make sure you read ALL of the information below.

IMPORTANT: Students will travel in The Bridge Bus to Argonne National Laboratory located at 9700 S. Cass Avenue in Lemont. Must have "Permission to Transport" indicated on Student Membership Application.

VISITOR FORM: All parents of signed-up students will be emailed a visitor form. This must be completed by a specific date, otherwise students will not be able to participate. More details will be included in the email.

IDENTIFICATION: All participants must be U.S. citizens. Students under 18 must bring a current school photo ID. All students who are 18 years old must have a Real ID.

ATTIRE: Bare legs are prohibited, closed-toe, flat or block-heel shoes are required, and shirts must cover the back and shoulders (minimum ¼ length sleeves).

PROHIBITED ARTICLES: All individuals entering Laboratory property are subject to search. Signs posted at all Laboratory entrances delineate prohibited articles that cannot be introduced to the site (e.g., firearms, dangerous weapons, destructive devices, explosives/incendiary devices, radioactive sources, open containers of alcoholic beverages, drugs, and pets or other animals). Basically, just follow The Bridge Teen Center’s Code of Conduct as you always do, and you’ll be good!

All Community Connections programs are sponsored in part by Fox College.

Important Attendance Policy:

Out of respect to our volunteers, please be sure you can attend the programs you sign up for. Confirmation calls or text messages are made 48-72 hours prior to every program. If you do not respond to our confirmation call within 24 hours of the program, a student on the waiting list will fill your spot. If a student is a "no show" for 2 or more programs, they will be automatically placed on the waiting list for other programs they have signed up for during that semester. 48 hours notice is required for all cancellations.