STEM Academies for Students
The Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education offers exciting events, activities, and programs for K-12 students to engage in STEM education opportunities that build a solid foundation for future STEM careers. Through our STEM academies, students are exposed to a variety of engaging activities that supplement classroom learning and encourage an interest in STEM-related subjects.
ORISE K-12 activities offer students a way to participate in authentic, hands-on experiences designed to engage young minds in STEM subjects and challenge them beyond the classroom environment. Students interested in learning more about STEM careers can participate in several programs that will give one-of-a-kind experiences and access to professional researchers.
ORISE K-12 STEM academies are offered during the summer months. In most cases, these educations experiences are introductory and no prior experience or knowledge is needed for students accepted into these programs.
Watch for more information about 2025 STEM Academies!
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Artificial Intelligence Mini-Academy
For rising 7th - 9th graders
Offered during the summer months, the ORISE Introduction to Artificial Intelligence (AI) Mini-Academy is a two-day program to introduce middle school students to AI and its uses and applications. Students will engage in exciting and challenging activities over the two-day period to develop skills and knowledge that will help them grow into the technology leaders of the future.
This is an introductory program and no prior experience or knowledge is needed.
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Boe-Bots Academy
For rising 7th - 9th graders
Offered during the summer months, the Boe-Bots Academy is a week-long day camp for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students filled with exciting and challenging activities. Working in small teams, students will design, build and program a robot. This is an introductory program and no prior experience of knowledge is needed.
This is an introductory program and no prior experience or knowledge is needed.
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Forensic Chemistry Mini-Academy
For rising 7th - 9th graders
The ORISE Forensic Chemistry Mini-Academy is a two-day program that introduces middle school students to Forensic Chemistry. Offered during the summer months, students will solve a mystery by collecting and analyzing evidence using techniques such as chromatography, fingerprinting, shoe imprinting, blood typing, and fiber analysis.
This is an introductory program and no prior experience or knowledge is needed.
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KinderCoding Mini-Academy
For rising 1st - 3rd graders
KinderCoding is a day-long introduction to the basics of coding for younger elementary students. Let them see that coding can be easy while they learn and practice new skills with their peers. Offered during the summer months, registration is on a first-come-first-served basis. We will have an alternate list to contact if spaces become available.
This is an introductory program and no prior experience or knowledge is needed.
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Coder’s Quest Mini-Academy
For rising 4th - 6th graders
Coder’s Quest is a day-long class that introduces upper elementary students to coding. Students will learn and practice new skills related to coding! Offered during the summer months, registration is on a first-come-first-served basis.
This is an introductory program and no prior experience or knowledge is needed.
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ORISE Robotics Academy
For rising 10th - 12th graders
Offered during the summer months, the ORISE Robotics Academy is a week-long day camp for rising 10th, 11th, and 12th grade students. Working in small teams, students will learn the basics of designing, building, and programming a robot. The week will be filled with exciting and challenging activities! Students will develop skills and mindsets to help them to grow into engineers, computer programmers, and technology leaders of the future.
This is an introductory program and no prior experience of knowledge is needed.
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CIA Robotics Academy
For rising 7th - 9th graders
The CIA Robotics Academy is a week-long day camp (offered during the summer months) for rising 7th, 8th, and 9th grade students filled with exciting and challenging activities. Working in small teams, students will design, build and program a robot. Students will have an opportunity to see robotics equipment in action on a tour and will learn from robotics and engineering research scientists.
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Joint Science and Technology Institute, West
The Joint Science and Technology Institute at Albuquerque (JSTI-West) is a two-week, fully-funded, residential STEM research program offered during the summer months for current high school students in New Mexico. The purpose of the program is to inspire and encourage students to pursue careers in STEM fields, increase STEM literacy, and expose students to the importance of STEM through hands-on, relevant research.
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Joint Science and Technology Institute, East
The Joint Science and Technology Institute (JSTI-East) is a two-week, residential program at Aberdeen Proving Ground (Md.) for current high school students that exposes them to scientific research through hands-on projects. Offered during the summer months, this program enables students to work with real-world scientists and increase student awareness of career opportunities in STEM-related fields. There is also a one-week component for middle school students.
Tennessee Science Bowl
The Tennessee Science Bowl brings together student teams from across the state to compete head to head for bragging rights, cash prizes, and to represent Tennessee at the National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. The annual event is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge Office, ORAU, ORISE, and other organizations.