The U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) / Yuma Proving Ground (YPG) GEMS program is a joint effort lead by RDECOM and executed by the U.S. Army Test and Evaluation Command (ATEC), YPG.
FREE STEM CAMP: Open to students entering 6th, 7th or 8th grade in the fall of 2024. Students will engage in hands-on activities while applying scientific methods as they conduct their labs and see the real world application. Module topics will include, but are not limited to, rockets, army basic automotive performance testing, physics, robotics, environmental testing, bacterial health hazards, and projectile testing. Learn more about the GEMS program and find additional locations here.
About the Yuma Proving Ground
Yuma Proving Ground is a United States U.S. Army facility which is one of the largest military installations in the world. It is located near the Arizona-California border, adjacent to the Colorado River, approximately 24 miles north of the city of Yuma (pop 87,000). YPG conducts tests on medium and long range artillery, aircraft target acquisition equipment and armament, armored and wheeled vehicles, a variety of munitions, and personnel and supply parachute systems and is the U.S. Army’s center for desert natural environment testing as well as the management of cold weather and tropic testing. It is here that America’s ground combat equipment proves it has the right equipment to win our nation’s battles. Yuma employs many engineers, scientists, physicists and military personnel to accomplish their missions. These same employees coordinate and conduct our GEMS programs.
Information for Stipend Positions
GEMS is looking for NEAR-PEER-MENTORS and TEACHERS!
High School (at least 16 y/o) or local college students — spend your summer mentoring the next generation of innovators.
GEMS relies on NEAR-PEER-MENTORS to work alongside TEACHERS and U.S. Army research engineer & scientists to provide inquiry-based, hands-on lab experiments and activities. This is not just a summer work opportunity but a way to give back to your local community.
GEMS Near-Peer Mentors and Teachers receive a stipend based on experience and education level.
If you are 16 years of age or older, want to mentor other students with hands-on experiments in U.S. Army Laboratories, and you have the desire to share your passion for STEM with other students, apply to become a Near-Peer-Mentor. Teachers who are looking for a STEM enriching opportunity to work along side Department of the U.S. Army Engineers & Scientist, while mentoring, teaching, and leading local youth with hands-on STEM exposure – this is for you!!
Important Dates
2025 Dates
Coming Soon
Interested in This Program?
If you are interested in this program email us or call 1-928-328-3648. We'd love to hear from you!