Every summer, ORAU partners with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) to host the Appalachian STEM Academy, an enriching, all-expenses paid residential STEM learning experience designed for students and teachers from the Appalachian region. This program offers participants the opportunity to engage in hands-on STEM activities, fostering curiosity, innovation and a passion for science and technology. To truly appreciate the significance of the Appalachian STEM Academy, it is important to understand the unique challenges and opportunities that define this region.
Appalachia: a region defined by beauty and resilience
The Appalachian Regional Commission is a partnership between the federal government and 13 states to innovate, partner and invest in the Appalachian region to build capacity and strengthen economic growth.
Appalachia is a culturally, geographically and historically distinct area that stretches along the Appalachian Mountain range from northern Mississippi to southern New York. The region is characterized not only by breathtaking natural beauty (majestic mountains, lush valleys and dense forests) but also by its unique social and economic landscape. While these features are a source of pride and valuable resources, they have also contributed to the area’s isolation. Over time, this rugged terrain has profoundly shaped Appalachia’s identity, an identity often associated with generational poverty and limited access to educational and economic opportunities. Yet, the region’s resilience and rich cultural heritage inspire initiatives like the Appalachian STEM Academy, which aims to empower its youth and educators.
A STEM experience designed to inspire
2025 Appalachian STEM Academy participant map
Through an application process, ARC selects students and teachers to participate in the academy, where they tackle challenging STEM projects and work alongside mentors. In 2025, 117 participants (108 students and nine teachers) gathered in Oak Ridge from July 5-18 for a robust program that included research projects ranging from exploring hydropower using Geographic Information Science to computational simulations of nuclear reactors. Beyond research, the academy emphasizes teamwork, college readiness and pride in Appalachia’s cultural and historical richness.
Kostas Skordas, director of Research & Evaluation at ARC, visited Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) to engage with high school participants and see their progress firsthand. “ARC sponsors events like this because we know the value of inspiring the next generation of leaders, students and workers in Appalachia, especially in STEM fields,” Skordas said. “This program is important for Appalachia itself: increased skills, awareness, and it inspires students to think about their future.”
Appalachian STEM Academy high school research group working on hydropower project.
Impacting Appalachia’s future
Participants hailed from all 13 states of the Appalachian region, united by a shared goal of advancing STEM education and opportunities. According to Skordas, the academy aligns with ARC’s strategic mission to foster growth and build capacity in Appalachia. “The STEM Academy produces results, has value and impacts not just the students and teachers here, but the region at large,” he emphasized.
The academy offers tailored experiences for different age groups and educators:
- Middle School Students: Introduced to problem-solving using the scientific method.
- Bridge Program: Designed for students transitioning from middle school to high school participation, offering a deeper dive into STEM research at the University of Tennessee.
- High School Students: Immersed in hands-on research at ORNL.
- Teachers: Engaged in real-world problem-solving and networking with subject matter experts.
Appalachian STEM Academy Bridge research group gets lab time at the University of Tennessee.
Stories of transformation
The academy’s impact is best illustrated through the experience of its participants. Conner Darling, a rising 10th grader from Falconer High School in Jamestown, N.Y., returned for his second year, eager to build on his previous experience. “Our teacher is going to give me a circuit board, and I’m going to start messing with that over the summer and figure out how to work with that,” Darling shared. He credits the academy for encouraging his interest in STEM and providing resources that help him continue his learning journey. “We were given computers to work on while we’re here. We upload the software and programs that we need for the project, and we get to keep the computers at the end so we can continue research and coding. Last year, I was given an iPad for research, and I have that with me for this trip.”
Appalachian STEM Academy Bridge students got to explore University of Tennessee facilities and work with subject matter experts on their projects.
Griffin Wheatley, another Bridge student and rising 10th grader from Carroll County High School in Woodlawn, Va., also returned to deepen his skills. His research group evaluated low-cost sensors and custom sensor systems as alternates to commercial systems. “We’re using ultrasonic sensors to detect cars as they enter a parking garage,” Wheatley explained. “I was working on a beam break sensor, which uses a laser to sense objects crossing its path. I think it’s going to be a better method of tackling this problem.”
One Appalachian STEM Academy Bridge research group worked on a project involving sensors used for detection.
Beyond technical skills, Wheatley appreciated the freedom to apply the scientific method to real-world challenges. “I feel more confident in using the scientific method when approaching a problem and working on it with no limits or restrictions. I really like that,” he said. Wheatley aspires to become a rescue pilot and believes the academy has equipped him with the knowledge and experience that will serve him in the future.
Building a brighter future for Appalachia
The Appalachian STEM Academy is more than a summer program. It’s a catalyst for change. By inspiring students and educators to explore STEM fields, the academy helps build a foundation for economic growth and innovation in Appalachia. As participants return to their communities equipped with new skills, knowledge and confidence, they become ambassadors of this change, shaping a brighter future for the region and beyond.