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    HomeAcademies and InstitutesAppalachian Entrepreneurship Academy

        
      
Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy
	
	
				
	
	
	In partnership with Appalachian State University, EntreEd, and STEM West, ARC’s Appalachian Entrepreneurship Academy (AEA) prepares the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers.
Chosen via a competitive application process, 26 high school students from across the Appalachian Region participate in experiential learning designed to cultivate creativity and develop essential entrepreneurial skills. Students develop and implement their own business ideas, refine and prototype those ideas, and deliver a shark-tank-style pitch to a panel of entrepreneurs. New this year, students will work with peer mentors who are AEA alumni.





	


  
For two weeks, AEA participants will, at no cost, **reside on Appalachian State University’s campus** and immersing themselves in the surrounding town of Boone, North Carolina.
This unique location provides students with opportunities to celebrate local culture and diversity, and **develop ideas to maintain and sustain these critical aspects of Appalachian communities.** In addition to the work of developing their businesses, students will engage in recreational activities throughout the experience, including activities on-campus (including swimming, gaming, and playing sports) and in the region (including hiking, visiting local attractions, and attending arts and music performances).

About the Experience







	


  
Frequently Asked Questions
          
                      Interested in AEA but still have questions? We have the answers here!
          
                      Learn More





	


  
Our Partners
          
                      ARC is excited to partner with Appalachian State University, EntreEd, and STEM West to prepare the next generation of the Region’s entrepreneurial leaders and thinkers.
          
                      Learn More





	



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      About the Appalachian Region
																				
																	

  Investment Priority      
      Building Community Leaders and Capacity



	


  


Contact Us
      
              Contact us via email at academies@arc.gov. Appalachian Regional Commission

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