The Appalachian Regional Commission is pleased to announce that it is collaborating with the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) and the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, to provide a two-week residential hands-on learning institute focusing on math, science, and technology for high school students and teachers from July 11 – 24, 2009.

Twenty-six (26) students and twenty-six (26) teachers from throughout Appalachia will come together to participate in a hands-on learning program that will focus on the application of math and science principles in the world of work. See attached Criteria for Participation for specific eligibility requirements. (Participating Appalachian states may have additional criteria for selection of participants in their respective state.)

ORNL is one of the largest U.S. Department of Energy research facilities in the United States. It is devoted to multi-purpose research and development and is located approximately 20 miles northwest of Knoxville, Tennessee, near the famous Great Smoky Mountains National Park. ORISE is a U.S. Department of Energy facility managed by Oak Ridge Associated Universities. ORISE has a diverse array of complementary, and often unique, science education and o

The ARC/ORNL Institute is a unique opportunity for students and teachers to work with research scientists on relevant math and scientific topics facing the world in the 21st century. Students and teachers work in teams on research projects during the two-week institute, with each team being comprised of three to six students or teachers. The team approach provides an opportunity to conduct research activities and solve problems in a group setting. Examples of the research and other activities engaged in during previous Summer Institutes can be seen at

The 2009 participants will be housed at a hotel in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, near ORNL and ORISE facilities. Student participants will be chaperoned 24-hours a day by experienced teachers who have worked with ORNL programs for several years. Participant teachers will not be responsible for chaperoning students.

All major expenses, including meals, lodging, transportation to and from the participant’s home base and local transportation, will be covered for participants. Teacher participants will receive a stipend.

The participants will spend most days in one of several ORNL research laboratories, but field trips to nearby industries, universities, and museums will be scheduled to enhance learning more about Appalachia and some of its unique characteristics.

Applications are submitted through the ARC State Program Manager and must be received at the Appalachian Regional Commission by March 6, 2009, to be considered for participation.