GEMS Summer Program
The Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) Summer Program hosted by the U.S. Combat Capabilities Development Command Army Research Laboratory at the University of San Antonio (UTSA) in San Antonio, TX, provides rising 9th – 12th grade students the opportunity to interact with scientists and engineers to explore essential research areas related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) subjects and careers.  If you enjoy hands-on activities and want to learn more about STEM topics and careers, apply to GEMS-UTSA!

About GEMS UTSA
ARL-UTSA GEMS participants will engage in hands-on activities, work in collaborative groups and interact with scientists and engineers to explore electronics warfare and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) careers.

GEMS UTSA Session Description

GEMS III: Students entering grades 9th – 12th will delve into the realm of electronic warfare in a one-week interactive STEM program. Join us for an exhilarating week of hands-on learning, where participants will delve into the essentials of Cybersecurity, Military Information Systems, and participate in real-world simulations. Students will learn to master cutting-edge tools and collaborate with STEM experts to improve their skills. This week-long workshop will be held during the week of June 16 – 20.

More Information

  1. GEMS is free of charge.
  2. Student Session: One-Week, Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (ET)
  3. This GEMS UTSA workshop will be held during the week of June 16 – 20, excluding June 19th (the Juneteenth federal holiday).
  4. Students must attend all days of the program week to receive the educational stipend. No exceptions.

Information for Near-Peer Mentors

Near-Peer Mentors
Near-Peer Mentors work collaboratively with teachers, scientists, and engineers to provide instruction and engage students in inquiry-based, hands-on lab activities related to ARL’s and UTSA’s essential research programs. Applicants must be U.S. citizens and at be least 16 years old to apply. Experience working with students is preferred.

More Information: 

  1. Near-Peer Mentor Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET)
  2. Near-Peer Mentors must attend the mandatory orientation and the entire program week. No exceptions.

Information for Educators

Teachers work collaboratively with STEM professionals to develop curriculum, supervise and provide instruction to students through thought provoking hands-on lab activities related to DEVCOM ARL’s current research initiatives. Applicants must be U. S. citizens. A current teaching certification is required.

More Information

  1. Near-Peer Mentor and Teacher Weeks: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (ET)
  2. Near-Peer Mentors and Teachers must attend the mandatory orientation during June 9 – 13. No exceptions.
  3. Near-Peer Mentors and Teachers must attend the program week of June 16 – 20 (except for June 19th, due to the Juneteenth Federal Holiday). No exceptions

Important Dates

November 18, 2025
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 9 - June 13, 2025
GEMS Orientation

June 16 - June 20, 2025
GEMS III (grades 9-12)

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!