Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge – High School Teachers

2025 Program Dates: July 5, 2025 – July 18, 2025

The Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge is a two-week, fully funded, hands-on learning experience for Appalachia's high school teachers. Hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, the program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) in the Appalachian region. Many participants teach in economically distressed counties and increase their exposure to applied science and STEM research through this experience. All participants work with scientists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory, one of the largest U.S. Department of Energy research facilities in the United States, and other experts to conduct guided group science, math, and computer science technology research projects. The program culminates in a final group presentation where participants showcase their work.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must teach high school in a designated Appalachian county (see http://www.arc.gov/counties)
• Must plan to teach high school math, science, engineering, and/or technology (e.g. web design, computer programming) in a designated Appalachian county for the 2025-2026 school year
• Must be willing to follow all program and safety instruction
• Must be able to participate in all program activities for the full program period, July 5-18, 2025

Here you can learn about the teachers in this summer’s program, review information about the projects and find pictures of participants “in action.” Information will be updated frequently, so check back often for more!