Announcing:ARC 2025 the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) is accepting 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. Program details are listed below:
Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA)
- 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.
Applications Open Now! Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy
Who: Current 9th-11th Grade High School Students in Appalachia
When: July 5-18, 2025
Where: Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina
Application Deadline: December 6, 2024
Apply Here
Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge
- 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. This program will be held at Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee from July 5-18, 2025 for high school students and teachers. Middle school students dates are from July 5-11, 2025 (Session 1), and July 12-18, 2025 (Session 2).
Applications Open Now! Appalachia STEM Academy
Who: Appalachian Middle and High school students / High school teachers
When: July 5-18, 2025 for high school students and teachers
July 5-11, 2025 (Session 1) and July 12-18, 2025 (Session 2) for middle school students
Where: Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee
Application Deadline: December 6, 2025
Apply here:https://www.orau.org/arc-ornl/default.html
Interested in the Appalachian STEM Academy but still have questions? We have the answers here! Learn More
What’s Included:
- Roundtrip travel to Oak Ridge, TN
- Lodging
- Meals
- Supplies
- Extracurricular Activities
Participants should expect to bring some extra money for incidental expenses or souvenirs.
For more information about these initiatives contact us via email at academies@arc.gov or Kathy Zook at kzook@eastgatecog.org or (234) 254-1518.