Ashe County Middle School student Corben Edmisten took part in the Appalachian STEM Academy this summer.
A total of 52 middle school students were invited to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the Appalachian STEM Academy sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Ashe County Middle School student Corben Edmisten took part in the Appalachian STEM Academy this summer.
A total of 52 middle school students were invited to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for the Appalachian STEM Academy sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission.
OAK RIDGE, Tenn. — Corben Edmisten of West Jefferson, was one of 52 middle school students chosen to participate in the Appalachian STEM Academy, a one-week residential program focused on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), the academy aims to cultivate students’ interest in STEM through hands-on learning and mentorship.
Edmisten, a student at Ashe County Middle School, in Warrensville, joined peers from across the 13-state Appalachian region to work on collaborative research projects guided by master teachers. These educators developed the academy’s curriculum based on national and state science standards, regional expertise and best practices in education.
During the program, participants engaged in hands-on experiments, conducted data collection and analysis, and presented their findings to peers and mentors. The academy is fully funded by ARC, ensuring that participation is complimentary for all students. The program is also open to high school students and teachers, further broadening its impact on STEM education across the region.

“The Appalachian Regional Commission provides a unique opportunity for students who demonstrate exceptional interest in STEM fields,” said Jennifer Tyrell, Associate Manager at ORAU. “Through a rigorous selection process, ARC identifies students with great potential and connects them with mast teacher mentors. By sparking their enthusiasm for science and technology, we hope to help them build a strong foundation for future careers in these vital fields.”
The educational program was divided into two cohorts of 26 students each. Cohort 1 took place July 11-17, while cohort 2 ran from July 18-24. ORAU hosted both sessions in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.
ORAU integrates academia, government and industry to advance the nation’s learning, health and scientific knowledge to build a better world. Through our specialized teams of subject matter experts, decades of experience, and collaborations with our consortium of more than 160 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU is a recognized leader when the priorities of our federal, state, local, and commercial customers require innovative solutions. ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE). ORAU is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and government contractor. For more information about the Appalachian STEM Academy, visit www.orau.org/.
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