Partnerships for Innovation
K-12 Programs and Events
ORAU Manages and Coordinates K-12 Programs and Events to Grow Student Interest in Science and Technology
Increasing America’s talent pool through vast improvements in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education is key to innovation and economic growth. Recent and emerging legislation is making that a reality, with an important focus on K-12 education.
Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) is experienced in managing high-profile, local and national education initiatives. We arrange first-class programs and events that offer students and teachers unique opportunities to explore their interests in science.
All of ORAU’s K-12 STEM education programs and events are functions of the ORAU Center for Science Education. To learn more, please visit the ORAU Center for Science Education.
ARC/ORNL/ORAU Summer Science Academy
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy's Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and ORAU host a one-week, residential, hands-on science academy that enables students to work with research scientists on relevant math and scientific topics.
ARC/ORNL Science, Technology, Mathematics Summer Institute
The ARC/ORNL High School Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute is a two-week, summer program that provides high school students and teachers from the Appalachian region the opportunity to work with scientists from ORNL on projects in science, math and research-related computer technology.
Joint Science Technology Institute
The Joint Science and Technology Institute for Students (JSTI) is a two-week, residential program for high school students in Maryland, Washington, D.C., and Virginia. The program enables students to work with scientists to conduct hands-on, scientific research and increases students’ awareness of career opportunities in related fields.
Oak Ridge Robotics Academy
The Oak Ridge Robotics Academy is a week-long day camp where middle school students work in small teams to design, build and program a robot. Students also tour ORNL’s research facilities and learn from robotics and engineering research scientists.
Oak Ridge Science Academy: Climate, Global Warming and Energy
The Oak Ridge Science Academy is a week-long learning experience where students build and research wind turbines, solar cars and make biofuels. Studentsl also tour ORNL’s research facilities and learn from scientists who are exploring the impacts and interactions of climate, global warming and energy.
Science Saturdays
To further engage students in STEM programs, Science Saturdays offer students in grades 8 through 12 an opportunity to participate in interactive activities and witness hands-on science presented by an ORNL researcher.
Tennessee Science Bowl
Students participate in this annual competition sponsored by DOE’s Oak Ridge Office and other local entities, including ORAU and the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). The winning team earns the opportunity to compete in the DOE National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C.
Feature
U.S. Department of Energy ORNL Site Office Manager Johnny Moore recently presented a commemorative plaque to ORAU for its continued support of DOE’s Tennessee Science Bowl.