ARC Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge - High School
The ARC Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge is a two-week, fully funded, hands-on learning experience for Appalachia's high school students. 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 come from 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.
Here you can learn about the students and 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!
Interested in the academy?
High School Photo Gallery
View the Academy Photo Gallery!-
“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 -
"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