Appalachia-Science in the Public Interest

Appalachia-Science in the Public Interest (ASPI) is a 501(c)3 non-profit whose mission is to provide the educational resources to inform people and communities about healthy and sustainable living in Kentucky and Central Appalachia.

Since 1977, we have delivered programming that uses science and technology as a basis for environmental education because STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) knowledge results in real world solutions to environmental issues. Our educational programs, training courses, research, and demonstration projects are focused on using that knowledge by exploring innovative and appropriate technology applications in sustainable development, responsible resource management, and everyday living. The natural environment, and our delivery of these experiences within the natural environment, is a compelling context for teaching STEM because it provides people with a diverse range of challenges that engage participants in hands-on opportunities to apply and reinforce STEM concepts across multiple subject areas. By interacting with and learning in the natural world, our programs provide the foundation for understanding the complex and important food, energy, and ecological systems in Appalachia. We believe that if people understand and appreciate these systems, they take actions to be more sustainable.