Samuel Fuerstenberg, son of Samantha and Patrick Fuerstenberg of Dahlonega, Georgia, was one of 39 middle school students attending the 13th annual ARC/ORAU Middle School Summer Science Academy, which, for the second time, was conducted in a virtual format. Sam was nominated by his STEAM teacher at LCMS, Mrs. Tori Jones.
The middle school students spent two weeks fully engaged in math, science, engineering and technology (STEM), including learning virtual experiences and activities. Participants to the educational event, held June 19-July 2, were selected from across 12 Appalachian states.
The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and ORAU hosted the exceptional learning experience. Gov. Kemp nominated Fuerstenberg, a student at Lumpkin County Middle School, to attend this accelerated STEM program. He was selected based on his potential to excel in math and science and to continue in higher learning.
Students participated in research projects led by master teachers. Fuerstenberg and teammates investigated 3D printing technology, coding micro:bits, computer science, and app design.
During this year’s educational sessions, participants listened to current researchers and took part in virtual tours and a Scratch coding activity.
“As someone who has certainly advocated for education and leadership, I believe in leveraging the creativity, ingenuity, and potential from within our Region to enhance economic vitality," said ARC Federal Co-Chair Gayle Manchin. "ARC's Academies and Institutes do just that—they help empower the next generation of leaders in building networks, honing skills, and cultivating an enduring commitment to Appalachia’s future. I welcome the students of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory Summer STEM Program.”
“Encouraging growth and development for students, educators, and entrepreneurs within the ARC region is vital to sustaining regional economies and cultivating future leaders," said Virginia Governor and ARC States' Co-Chair Ralph Northam. "I am excited to see the great work of the new class of the 2021 Oak Ridge National Laboratory Summer STEM Academy, including our six students and teachers from Virginia!”
“Even in a virtual setting, many exciting opportunities open up for participants in the High School Summer Math-Science-Technology Institute and Middle School Summer Science Academy. Often, participants develop a new interest in STEM subjects and then continue to pursue STEM careers. Teachers gain a renewed passion for promoting STEM subjects with knowledge of emerging sciences and technologies,” said Chris Nelson who manages the program for ORAU.
About the Appalachian Regional Commission
The Appalachian Regional Commission is an economic development agency of the federal government and 13 state governments focusing on 420 counties across the Appalachian Region. ARC’s mission is to innovate, partner, and invest to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth in Appalachia to help the Region achieve socioeconomic parity with the nation.
Oak Ridge National Laboratory is managed by UT-Battelle for the Department of Energy’s Office of Science. The Office of Science is the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States and is working to address some of the most pressing challenges of our time. For more information, please visit http://science.energy.gov/.
ORAU provides innovative scientific and technical solutions to advance national priorities in science, education, security and health. Through specialized teams of experts, unique laboratory capabilities and access to a consortium of more than 100 major Ph.D.-granting institutions, ORAU works with federal, state, local, and commercial customers to advance national priorities and serve the public interest. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation and federal contractor, ORAU manages the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) for the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).