Applications have opened for the Appalachian STEM Academy in Oak Ridge
It is an annual program that was established in 1990.
Nearly 80 middle school and high school students, along with 26 high school teachers, are expected to participate in the next edition of the Appalachian STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) Academy at Oak Ridge. The program is funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
As the name implies, the program that was established in 1990, provides a residential, hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields.
Hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, this program is a gateway to STEM in the Appalachian Region. Many participants come from economically distressed counties and often gain their first exposure to applied science and STEM education through this experience.
Working with scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, high school and middle school students conduct guided group science, math, and computer science technology research projects, while high school teachers work with science practitioners to develop STEM-related curriculum. The program culminates in a graduation ceremony where participants showcase their work.
Applications (link here) close on December 3 for sixth- through eighth-grade students for either of two sessions:
- July 11-17, 2026 (Session 1); and
- July 18-24, 2026 (Session 2).
The other two programs – for high school students and high school teachers – are scheduled for the same weeks, but are two-week programs. The link for both the high school student program and the high school teacher program are available on the same link as the middle school program.
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