For Grades
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • 8
  • 9
  • 10
  • 11
  • 12

GEMS’ mission is to interest young people, who might not otherwise give serious thought to becoming scientists or engineers, in STEM careers early enough that they have the time to attain the appropriate academic training. The program is based on a multi-disciplinary educational curriculum, and is focused on age and grade-appropriate hands-on activities, in areas such as science, engineering, mathematics, computational sciences, computational biology, biomedical sciences, chemistry and biology.

You'll Get To...

  • work with other students your age to explore STEM topics that are related to current, cutting-edge U.S. Army research
  • work beside college students that are pursuing STEM careers
  • learn about STEM in a hands-on, lab-based environment – no textbooks
  • there’s no fee to participate, and we issue a small stipend to cover some of your costs
  • meet students, teachers, scientists and engineers who live and work near you

Eligibility

  • Rising 5th through 12th graders are eligible.
  • Participants must be U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent legal residents.

More Information

All students who are selected and successfully participate in GEMS qualify for an educational stipend ($125 per week) to offset any cost to the student or family to participate (travel and food).

NEW! Video Game Design Virtual STEM Camp for Military Dependents

Is the gamer in your life curious about coding? Are they inquisitive and creative? Do they want to learn more about circuitry, engineering, and computer programming? Would they be interested in creating their own customized video game? Rising 7th-9th grade students are invited to join the scientists of the Army Research Laboratory as they dive into computer science and share their love for STEM during this Video Game Design Virtual STEM Camp! Find more information and apply here.

Information for Near-Peer Mentors

GEMS is looking for NEAR-PEER MENTORS. Spend your summer mentoring the next generation of innovators!

GEMS relies on local college and high school students to work alongside teachers and U.S. Army research 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 receive a stipend based on experience and education level.

You should apply if:

  • You are 16 years of age or older,
  • You want to mentor other students with hands-on experiments in U.S. Army Research Centers & Labs,
  • And you have the desire to share your passion for STEM with other students!

Important Dates

November - December 2024
Near Peer Mentor (NPM) and Teacher (T) applications open

January 2025
Near Peer Mentors and Teachers interview and begin security clearance process

January - February 2025
Student participants application opens (exact dates vary by site)

March – April 2025
Student application deadline

April – May 2025
Applications reviewed & participants selected

May 2025
Selected students notified

June – August 2025
Students participate in GEMS program (length and dates vary by location)

Take your teaching out of the classroom and into the lab!

GEMS is looking for TEACHERS. Spend your summer introducing the excitement of STEM to a new generation of innovators.

GEMS and Educators

GEMS relies on local teachers to work alongside U.S. Army research scientists to provide inquiry-based, hands-on lab experiments and activities. The goal is to interest young people in STEM careers early enough that they have the time to prepare for their academic futures.

GEMS Teachers receive a stipend based on experience and education level.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • If you have a teaching certificate or degree in a STEM subject,
  • If you want to introduce students to hands-on experiments and learning,
  • And if you have the desire to guide students typically underrepresented in STEM, this program is for you!

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!

  • For Students

  • Gabriel Acuff

    FEATURED STUDENT

    Gabriel Acuff

    Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS)

    Read The Story

  • Carlise Bethel: From Aspiring Veterinarian to STEM Advocate and GEMS Educator

    GEMS ON THE BLOG

    Carlise Bethel: From Aspiring Veterinarian to STEM Advocate and GEMS Educator

    October 22, 2024

    Read The Story
    •  

    Program Locations

    Click a highlighted state to find a location near you

    U.S. Army Aeromedical Research Laboratory (USAARL), AL
    Fort Novosel , AL
    LEARN MORE or APPLY NOW

    U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center (CCDC AvMC)
    Huntsville, AL
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    Yuma Proving Ground, AZ
    Yuma, AZ
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    Los Alamitos, CA
    Los Alamitos, CA
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    STEMCAMP, FL
    Central Florida
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    Champaign, IL
    Champaign, IL
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    Frederick, MD
    Frederick, MD
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    Silver Spring, MD
    Silver Spring, MD
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    Adelphi, MD
    Adelphi, MD
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    Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
    Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD
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    Natick, MA
    Natick, MA
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    Vicksburg, MS
    Vicksburg
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    White Sands Missile Range, NM
    WSMR High School
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    White Sands Missile Range, NM
    WSMR Middle School
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    San Antonio, TX
    San Antonio, TX
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    Austin, TX
    Austin, TX
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    University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA)
    University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), TX
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    Hanover, NH
    Hanover, NH
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    Durham, NC
    Durham, NC
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