The Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program at the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) offers students an exciting and innovative platform to engage in hands-on STEM activities specifically designed to stimulate inquiry-based thinking, scientific skills, and interest in STEM careers. Rising 7th through 12th grade students explore STEM in a sophisticated laboratory setting and learn about STEM careers under the guidance of college-level mentors called Near-Peer Mentors (NPMs).
About WRAIR
Headquartered in Silver Spring, Maryland, the Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR) is the oldest and most mission diverse biomedical research laboratory in the Department of Defense. WRAIR’s mission: Discover, design, develop and deliver globally impactful solutions for military relevant infectious diseases, brain health and performance optimization through innovative research. Some of the sophisticated research conducted at WRAIR is adapted and incorporated in the coursework for GEMS students.
The Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) program at Fort Detrick brings local students to the cutting-edge world of science at the U.S. Army Medical Research and Development Command (USAMRDC). The program is designed for current 4th through 11th grade students of all academic abilities in the 2024-2025 school calendar. GEMS promises an engaging and exciting hands-on experience.
Students accepted into the program will work with young aspiring scientists and engineers, called Near-Peer Mentors, to complete various engineering challenges and hands on laboratory experiments, which are designed to further students’ understanding of STEM concepts. While at GEMS, students also learn about STEM careers that are available to them and pathways that they can take to achieve their desired future aspirations. Students navigate a curriculum intended for learning, interaction, and enjoyment, designed by local Fort Detrick education specialists and researchers.
GEMS is free to all applicants. Students will receive a $125 stipend upon graduation to help offset the cost of transportation and food that is not provided by the program. Stipends are not awarded to those who do not meet the definition of participation as explained by our Terms and Conditions.
If you would like more information about the GEMS Program, send us an email.
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.
Looking for a fun-filled educational activity during the summer? Look no further…GEMS Camp (Gains in the Education of Math and Science) will be held in Champaign, Illinois this summer!
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at the Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (CERL) will be hosting two FREE STEM based day camps this summer. Come experience STEM alongside the scientists and engineers at CERL through a variety of hands-on activities. Plus, see what it is like to have a STEM career within the U.S. Army.
Gems I: Rising grades 9th-12th
Gems II: Rising grades 6th-8th
Near Peer Mentors: Rising Freshmen-Seniors in college (rising 11th and 12th graders will also be considered for GEMS II)
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.
The Aviation and Missile Center (AvMc) GEMS program is based on a multidisciplinary educational curriculum, and is focused on age/grade-appropriate hands-on activities in areas such as science, technology, engineering, mathematics, computational science, physics, optics, robotics, chemistry, and others.