Appalachian Arts and Studies in the Schools
The Appalachian Arts and Studies in the Schools (AASIS) program is funded by a private benefactor and is designed to achieve two goals:
- To encourage promising young Southwest Virginia students to pursue higher education.
- To give these students an opportunity to learn more about the Appalachian region.
How AASIS Works
High school teachers from participating schools collaborate and prepare lessons for their students on various aspects of Appalachian studies. Each teacher also chooses ten AASIS Scholars, high school students identified by their teachers as "college-able, but not necessarily college-bound."
AASIS Mentors and Scholars
Each student participating in AASIS becomes a mentor to two AASIS Scholars. Mentors visit their AASIS Scholars' school twice during the school year to make presentations about college life and about Appalachian studies. Mentors also act as hosts and tour guides for their AASIS Scholars during two field trips to the Radford University campus, one in the fall semester and one in the spring.
AASIS Mentors and Scholars get to know each other and keep in touch throughout the year via letters and email.
To become a mentor, just fill out an AASIS application (PDF) and ask two of your professors to fill out a mentor recommendation form (PDF).