ALAMO, Tenn. (Sept. 29, 2025) — State and local leaders joined sixth graders at Crockett County Middle School today to launch STEMOVATE, Powering Tennessee’s Future Innovators, a new program that brings hands-on science, technology, engineering and math activities to classrooms in 21 counties across Tennessee.
The University of Tennessee–Oak Ridge Innovation Institute (UT-ORII) is partnering with Tennessee 4-H, the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) and UT-Battelle, operating contractor of Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the Department of Energy to make STEMOVATE available to more than 6,000 sixth-grade students across the state.
Lessons focused on nuclear energy, artificial intelligence, engineering design and agriculture are aligned with state standards and emphasize areas of growth for Tennessee and the nation. Plans are underway to offer STEMOVATE to sixth graders statewide in 2026–27 and to expand to seventh- and eighth-grade classrooms within five years.
To kick off today’s launch, guests took part in an engineering challenge to design and build the best marble roller coaster. The friendly competition—framed around the question, “Are you smarter than a sixth grader?”—highlighted one of four interactive lessons students will experience through STEMOVATE.
“STEMOVATE gives middle school students a chance to explore STEM in a fun way. Through these lessons, students will practice teamwork, solve real-world problems and discover that STEM can be exciting — and for some, it could even spark interest in future STEM careers,” said David Sholl, executive director of UT-ORII.
4-H agents in Crockett and Overton counties participated in a pilot of the STEMOVATE program last year. They are joining fellow agents in Cannon, Carroll, Claiborne, Coffee, DeKalb, Hamilton, Hamblen, Hancock, Hawkins, Henderson, Houston, Lawrence, Madison, Morgan, Putnam, Rhea, Scott, Warren and Wayne counties for this year’s 21-county launch. Some homeschool students are also participating through 4-H.
“By bringing high-quality STEM learning experiences to middle school students in communities across our state, we’re opening doors of opportunity and inspiring the innovators Tennessee needs for the future,” said Randy Boyd, president of the University of Tennessee System.
Why Middle School?
Interactive STEM experiences engage students in critical thinking, problem-solving and teamwork, while connecting abstract concepts to real-world applications. Middle school is a key time to build curiosity and confidence in STEM, helping students envision future careers and encouraging participation in science and technology fields.
“Engaging with students early is critical to sparking an interest in science and building the future STEM workforce,” said ORNL Director Stephen Streiffer, who also serves as president and CEO of UT-Battelle. “The STEMOVATE program will be a creative way to reach students and their teachers where they are, introducing them to the fascinating questions scientists are trying to answer today.”
Leveraging 4-H’s Strong Ties to Tennessee Schools
“STEMOVATE builds on Tennessee 4-H’s strong connections with schools across the state,” said Keith Carver, senior vice chancellor and senior vice president for the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture. “I’m thrilled that our 4-H
agents serve such an integral role in a program that is helping students across Tennessee see themselves as the next generation of problem solvers.”
The participating 4-H agents already have established partnerships with middle school teachers in their counties, bringing in educational opportunities six or seven times a year. Through STEMOVATE, agents are trained and equipped with everything they need to deliver four STEMOVATE lessons that are fun for students, meet Tennessee Board of Education standards and focus on areas vital to the state and nation.
If participants have questions or need help with the lessons during the school year, ORISE’s team of educators, who created the lessons, are just an email or call away.
“ORISE is excited to partner with this unique collaboration and play a critical role in STEMOVATE,” said ORISE Director Dr. Keri Cagle. “The ORISE team of educators is committed to ensuring every 4-H agent and teacher involved has the resources, training, and assistance they need to successfully implement STEMOVATE in their community.”
An online STEMOVATE site also allows participants to share feedback and best practices, helping to continuously improve the program.
