Free Summer Programs Offered for Appalachian Students, Teachers

Applications due Feb. 2

(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — Students and teachers in Appalachian Ohio can take advantage of two free learning opportunities this summer through the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Applications for the Appalachian STEM Academy and the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy are open now through Feb. 2. Students and teachers in the Appalachian region are encouraged to apply for these free programs, aimed at educating the next generation of thinkers and leaders.

“Ohio is on the move, and opportunities like these will help prepare our state’s next generation of entrepreneurs and scientists,” said Governor DeWine. “This is a great chance for our Appalachian students to expand their horizons, explore interests, and discover all the possibilities that await them.”

“These programs give students the opportunity to learn valuable skills and gain experience in academic fields that will fuel the workforce of the future,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “It’s not just a great experience, but a stepping-stone for their future careers.”

The Appalachian STEM Academy is a STEM-related research program for high school and middle school students and high school teachers across Appalachia. Students will collaborate with award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory on science, math, and computer science technology research projects, while teachers develop STEM-related curriculum with expert science practitioners. More information and applications are available online at ARC.gov/summerstem.

The Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy is an experiential learning opportunity to help prepare the next generation of entrepreneurial thinkers and leaders. High school students will participate in workshops designed to spark creativity and develop essential entrepreneurship skills. More information and applications are available online at ARC.gov/AEA.

“Now is the time to grow and support the next generation of Appalachian leaders,” said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. “Through the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy and Appalachian STEM Academy, students will sharpen their critical thinking, leadership, and collaboration skills, and build lasting friendships, which will in turn have a positive impact not only on their futures, but the future of the entire Appalachian region.”

The programs will take place on the following dates:

• Middle School STEM Academy Session 1: July 6-12, 2024
• Middle School STEM Academy Session 2: July 13-19, 2024
• High School STEM Academy: July 6-19, 2024
• High School Entrepreneurship Academy: July 6-19, 2024

Applications for both opportunities are due Feb. 2, 2024.

The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.

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