Applications are due December 6 for ARC’s summer study opportunities for middle and high school students, Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and Appalachian STEM Academy.
WASHINGTON, D.C., October 21, 2024—The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) opened applications for two summer study opportunities: the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge. Both programs, planned for summer 2025, are free intensive learning experiences specifically for the Appalachian Region’s high school and/or middle school students and teachers.
The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA), developed in partnership with Appalachian State University, EntreEd, and STEM West, prepares the next generation of regional entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers. High school students from across Appalachia will be selected to participate in a comprehensive curriculum designed to cultivate creativity, sharpen business acumen, and develop skills essential for entrepreneurial success. The students will have the opportunity to develop and implement business ideas, refine and prototype those ideas, and deliver a shark-tank-style pitch presentation for an audience of entrepreneurs. AEA will be held from July 5-18, 2025, at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
The Appalachian STEM Academy is a 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, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region. High school participants will work with award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and both high school and middle school students will conduct guided group science, math, computer science, and technology research projects. High school teachers will work with science practitioners to develop STEM-related curriculum. Many students gain their first exposure to applied science and STEM education through this experience. STEM academy sessions will take place on the following dates:
- Middle School STEM Academy Session 1: July 5-11, 2025
- Middle School STEL Academy Session 2: July 12-18, 2025
- High School STEM Academy: July 5-18, 2025
Applications for both opportunities are due December 6, 2024.
“In order to continue building a bright future for our region, we need to invest in the next generation of Appalachian leaders,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “Through the Appalachian STEM Academy and Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy, students will strengthen their critical thinking, leadership, and collaboration skills; but more importantly, they will feel uplifted and empowered to focus their future ambitions on working to better their Appalachian communities. In addition, they will forge lasting friendships with like-minded young people from throughout the Appalachian Region.”
“The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and the Appalachian STEM Academy programs allow students to utilize hands-on, real-life training to build knowledge and confidence,” said ARC 2024 States’ Co-Chair, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee. “Creating a foundation of entrepreneurship and STEM skills will provide greater opportunity for youth in the Appalachian Region, and we look forward to seeing the applications that are received this year.”
About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development entity of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 423 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
