The Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) GEMS 2025 program is a collaborative effort with sessions offered by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (MRICD).  Programs are designed to excite students in STEM and to encourage their pursuit of higher STEM education and careers. Unless otherwise noted all sessions are offered in-person at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Sessions

GEMS I:  MRICD Diverse Topics
Students entering the 5th-7th grade will participate in projects from various STEM disciplines such as chemistry, mathematics, biology, engineering and earth science. A team of college students will lead these projects. The hands-on activities are designed to excite the students and inspire them to consider future STEM pathways while they are still early in their educational journey.

GEMS I: MRICD Diverse Topics Week 1 :

June 30 – July 3, 2025

GEMS I: MRICD Diverse Topics Week 2:

July 7-10, 2025

GEMS I:  MRICD Diverse Topics Week 3 (Virtual):

July 21-24, 2025

GEMS II: ARL Diverse Topics
Students entering 8th-10th grades will participate in activities from a variety of STEM disciplines, such as chemistry, mathematics, robotics, computer science, environmental science etc. U.S. Army scientists, engineers and teachers will provide lessons and lead activities. Discussions will encompass real U.S. Army science applications that provide students with insight to STEM higher education and career pathway opportunities within the Army and the Department of Defense.

Week 1: July 22-24, 2025

Week 2: July 29-31, 2025

GEMS II: ARL Engineering

Students entering 9th-11th grades will learn principles of computer aided design (CAD), practice applications of additive manufacturing, and investigate the science of motion. Students will participate in daily projects and challenges- each focusing on either land, sea, or air transportation engineering. Students will also spend the week designing and building a catapult and then compete in a challenge to study the science of motion and force. Students will design using Tinkercad and will also use a variety of tools to learn about data collection, probability, and statistics. Students will visit an ARL Laboratory, discuss real U.S. Army science applications, and gain insight into STEM higher education and career pathway opportunities within the Army and the Department of Defense.

Week 1: June 30 – July 3, 2025

Week 2: July 7 – 10, 2025

ARL GEMS II – Video Game Camp for Active Duty Military Dependents (Virtual)

July 14-17, 2025

Please note: this camp is only open to Active-Duty Military Dependents

ARL GEMS II – Girls in STEM Engineering Camp

Girls entering 6th-10th grades will learn principles of computer aided design (CAD), practice applications of additive manufacturing, and investigate engineering fundamentals and applications. Students will participate in daily projects and challenges- each focusing on different fields of engineering.  Students will design using Tinkercad and will also use a variety of tools to learn about data collection, probability, and statistics. Students will work with women in science, visit an ARL Laboratory, discuss real U.S. Army science applications, and gain insight into STEM higher education and career pathway opportunities within the Army and the Department of Defense.

Week 1: August 4-7, 2025

GEMS III: ARL Computer Science Principles
Students entering 9th-12th grade will investigate computer science principles, develop basic algorithms, learn Python programming language and explore how computing and technology can impact the world.

Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Algebra I

Week 1: July 21-24, 2025

GEMS III: ARL Robotics 
Students entering 9th-11th grade will learn to design, build and program SumoBots that navigate and battle in a fun competition format with other robot teams. SumoBots are small autonomous robots that use sensors to detect each other. In “battle,” they “fight” to push the opponent robot out of a competition ring.  During this hands-on STEM program, students will work in small groups of three under the guidance of Near-Peer Mentors and Teachers. Classes will be hosted at the Army Research Laboratory’s Robotics Research Collaboration Campus (R2C2) in Middle River, MD.

Pre-requisite:Successful completion of Algebra I and GEMS III Computer Science Principles

Week 1: July 28-31, 2025

Important Dates

November 11, 2024
Near-Peer Mentor and Teacher Applications Open

January 6, 2025
Student Applications Open

January 31, 2025
Near-Peer Mentor and Teacher Applications Close

March 31, 2025
Student Applications Close

June 30 - July 3, 2025
GEMS I: MRICD Diverse Topics (Week 1)

July 7-10, 2025
GEMS I: MRICD Diverse Topics (Week 2)

July 21-24, 2025
GEMS I: MRICD Diverse Topics (Week 3 - Virtual)

July 22-24, 2025
GEMS II: ARL Diverse Topics (Week 1)

July 29-31, 2025
GEMS II: ARL Diverse Topics (Week 2)

June 30 – July 3, 2025 
GEMS II: ARL Engineering (Week 1)

July 7 - 10, 2025
GEMS II: ARL Engineering (Week 2)

July 14 - 17, 2025
ARL GEMS II - Video Game Camp for Active Duty Military Dependents (Virtual)

August 4-7, 2025
ARL GEMS II - Girls in STEM Engineering Camp

July 21-24, 2025
GEMS III: ARL Computer Science Principles

July 28-31, 2025
GEMS III: ARL Robotics

Near-Peer Mentor (NPM):
Summer virtual internship opportunity for STEM or education majors interested in gaining leadership and hands on laboratory experience. Near-peer mentors (NPMs) have the chance to work with U.S. Army scientists and engineers, earn a competitive stipend, develop career network connections and help to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. NPMs must be US citizens and either rising high school juniors or seniors, or currently enrolled in college. They will receive a competitive stipend based on completed semester hours and experience.

Teacher (T):
Summer virtual opportunity to serve as a student advisor/mentor as well as a lab instructor. U.S. Army professionals leverage Teachers’ skill and experience with students to help deliver curriculum during laboratory sessions. They help to bridge potential instructional and learning gaps between the students and the U.S. Army scientists and engineers. Teachers must be U.S. Citizens and have a teaching degree or certificate.  They will receive a competitive stipend based on education level and experience.

Applications open November 11, 2024. 

Interested in This Program?

If you are interested in this program email us or call 1-800-807-9852. We'd love to hear from you!

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