WASHINGTON — The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has opened applications for two summer programs: the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge. Both free, intensive programs are on tap for the summer of 2025. They are open to middle and high school students and high school teachers across the Appalachian region.
The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA), in collaboration with Appalachian State University, EntreEd and STEM West, aims to prepare the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders in Appalachia. High school students selected for AEA will participate in a curriculum that encourages creativity, business development skills and entrepreneurial thinking. The program includes hands-on activities in business idea development, prototyping and a Shark Tank-style pitch presentation for entrepreneurs.
The AEA will run from July 5-18, 2025, at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina.
The Appalachian STEM Academy offers an immersive STEM experience for both middle and high school students and high school STEM teachers. Held at Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program introduces students to science, technology, engineering and math fields.
High school participants will work alongside award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. Middle and high school students will engage in guided research projects in science, math and computer science. High school teachers will collaborate with professionals to develop classroom STEM curricula. Program dates are as follows:
- Middle School STEM Academy Session 1: July 5-11, 2025
- Middle School STEM Academy Session 2: July 12-18, 2025
- High School STEM Academy: July 5-18, 2025
Applications for both programs are due by Dec. 6, 2024.
ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin stressed the need to invest in young leaders who will shape the region’s future.
“In order to continue building a bright future for our region, we need to invest in the next generation of Appalachian leaders,” Manchin said. “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.”
ARC 2024 States Co-Chair Tennessee Governor Bill Lee agreed, emphasizing the importance of skill-building for youth across the 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,” he said. “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.”