The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has recently opened applications for the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) and the Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge.

Both programs, planned for summer 2026, are free intensive learning experiences specifically for the Appalachian region’s high school and/or middle school students and teachers. Participation in either program includes roundtrip travel, lodging, meals, supplies and extracurricular activities.

The AEA, developed in partnership with Appalachian State University, EntreEd and STEM West, prepares the next generation of regional entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers. High school students from across Appalachia will be selected to participate in a comprehensive curriculum designed to cultivate creativity, sharpen business acumen, and develop skills essential for entrepreneurial success. The students will have the opportunity to develop and implement business ideas, refine and prototype those ideas, and deliver a “Shark Tank”-style pitch presentation for an audience of entrepreneurs. AEA will be held from July 11-24, at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, and is open to current 9th-11th grade students in Appalachia.

The Appalachian STEM Academy is a hands-on learning experience for Appalachia’s middle and high school students, as well as high school teachers in STEM-related fields. Hosted by Oak Ridge Associated Universities in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, this program is a gateway to science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) in the Appalachian Region. High school participants will work with award-winning scientists at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and both high school and middle school students will conduct guided group science, math, computer science, and technology research projects. High school teachers will work with science practitioners to develop STEM-related curriculum. Many students gain their first exposure to applied science and STEM education through this experience. STEM academy sessions will take place on the following dates:

  • Middle School STEM Academy Session 1 (Open to current 6th-8th grade students in Appalachia): July 11-17, 2026
  • Middle School STEM Academy Session 2 (Open to current 6th-8th grade students in Appalachia): July 18-24, 2026
  • High School STEM Academy (Open to current 9th-11th grade students in Appalachia who will be 16 years old by the program start date, as well as high school STEM teachers in Appalachia): July 11-24, 2026

Applications for both the STEM Academy and AEA are due Dec. 3, 2025.

For more information about the programs and application process, visit the Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy website and the Appalachian STEM Academy website.