Do you Play? We do in the modeling, simulation, and training (MS&T) workforce! Our play saves time, money and lives! Join us this summer for serious play and learn more.

The GEMS Summer program at U.S. Army Simulation and Training Technology Center (STTC) in Central Florida, inspires rising 6th-10th grade students to take the challenge and explore the high-wage MS&T careers found within their community. Together with our collaborators we work closely with subject matter experts across careers in the MS&T Industry. We invite near-peer-mentors from previous camps who show exceptional leadership to help engage current GEMS campers.  If you enjoy hands-on activities and want to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects and careers in the MS&T Industry, apply to GEMS Central Florida!

To ensure all students have the opportunity to grow their STEM skills GEMS programs are free of charge to all families. As part of career explorations, each student will be treated as a young professional and be paid $ 125.00 for completing five days of serious play as a MS&T future leader!

Our Partners

GEMS Central Florida is provided in cooperation with AEOP, U.S. Army Simulation and Training Technology Center (STTC), and the Navy Air Warfare Center Training Systems Division (NAWC-TSD), in collaboration with:

  • National Center for Simulation
  • Team Orlando
  • University of Central Florida ROTC
  • University of Central Florida – College of Community, Innovation, and Education
  • Full Sail University
  • The MS&T Central Florida Workforce

GEMS For Students; Rising 6th - 7th

We would like to welcome students to an engaging GEMS experience in Central Florida through the world of MS&T! You qualify if you are:

  • A rising 6th through 7th grade student
  • Attended DoD STARBASE Central Florida – Not a Requirement
  • New to GEMS programs or have participated previously but still exploring STEM as a future career.
  • Can work well with other students and mentors in a serious play environment

GEMS ADVANCED for experienced students; rising 7th-8th

We would like to welcome our GEMS back for another STEMtastic GEMS experience in Central Florida! You qualify if you are:

  • 7th –8th grade student who has participated in GEMS at least once
  • Can work well with other students and mentors in a serious play environment
  • Confident in your growing STEM practices and are interested in a future STEM career

GEMS Leadership if For Returning Students; Rising 9th through 10th grade.

We would like to welcome our future leaders back for another STEMtastic GEMS experience in Central Florida! You qualify if you are:

  • A rising 9th through 10th grade student who has participated in a past GEMS programs or other STEM programs where STEM confidence and skill were built
  • Desire to build leadership skills and become a future Near-Peer Mentor
  • Can work well with other students and mentors in a serious play environment

Important Dates

March 3, 2025
Near-Peer Mentor, Teacher and Student Applications Open

April 4, 2025
Near-Peer Mentor, Teacher and Student Applications Close

June 2 - June 6, 2025
Near- Peer Mentor Training

June 9 - 13, 2025
GEMS

June 16 - June 20, 2025
GEMS Leadership

June 23 - June 27, 2025
GEMS Advanced

July 7 - July 11, 2025
GEMS, GEMS Advanced

July 4 - July 18, 2025
GEMS, GEMS Leadership

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!