2025 Program Dates: July 5, 2025 – July 18, 2025
The Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge is an all-expenses-paid, residential program in Oak Ridge, Tennessee designed to provide a hands-on STEM learning experience for students and teachers located in the Appalachian region. In addition to research, the program promotes teamwork, college opportunities, and pride in the cultural richness and historical importance of the Appalachian region.
- Middle School Students: For one week, students work with master teachers to build knowledge in current STEM topics to solve a problem in Appalachian communities. This program is for current 6th-8th graders.
- Bridge Program: For two weeks, students work with master teachers, university researchers, and other professionals to expand upon topics previously learned in the middle school program. This program is for current high school students who completed the middle school program and are under the age of 16.
- High School Students: For two weeks, students experience hands-on, relevant research projects mentored by ORNL scientists. To be eligible, students must currently be in 9th, 10th, or 11th grade and will be 16 or older by the program start date.
- High School Teachers: For two weeks, teachers engage in professional development by conducting collaborative research projects mentored by ORNL and ORAU scientists. Teachers must currently teach a STEM-related high school course in the Appalachian Region to apply.
2025 applications are now closed. Selections will be made in the spring.
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“ASA has prepared me for my high school journey and has taught me something new each day. The time I have spent in the lab has sparked my interest for future jobs in STEM. I am so grateful for all the memories I have made.”
—Student 2024 -
“I learned so much through this program personally and professionally. I can’t even write about the massive amount I have learned about everything involved in my research project and beyond. “
—Student 2024 -
“I would recommend it. It was one of the best experiences of my life.”
—Student 2018 -
“It was one of the best experiences! I made many new friends and learned a lot of new things!”
—Student 2018 -
"The program was excellent and I cannot speak highly enough about it."
—Student 2021 -
“I would highly recommend this program. It was truly eye opening to the amazing world around me.”
—Student 2018 -
"Yes I would recommend the program. It gave me experiences you can't get anywhere else. It allowed me to meet people and do things I otherwise wouldn't have."
—Student 2021 -
“This was one of the most amazing experiences of my entire life and I am so grateful for everything everyone has done in order for me to get here. Coming here introduced me into the real world. When I left Ohio 2 weeks ago I was super shy and always stuck to myself and had so much trouble finding people with common interests and coming here changed that! Never stop doing this amazing thing for kids all over Appalachia.”
—Student 2018 -
"It was a great program and I am grateful and honored to have been a part of it."
—Student 2021 -
“My participation in the Appalachian STEM Academy has opened my eyes to fields I would not have previously pursued. Now, I have a newfound interest.”
—Student 2023 -
“I love this program because I get to try new things. It’s an opportunity for experiences that are not possible at home.”
—Student 2023 -
"I would recommend this program to friends because you get to meet people all over the country and make new friends and learn about interesting topics you didnt even know about."
—Student 2020