Free, hands-on programs from the U.S. Army that help students discover, create, compete, and gain real-world experience in science and technology.
AEOP is the U.S. Army’s investment in building the future STEM workforce. AEOP offers a range of no-cost programs – available for students in grades 5–12 through post-doctoral graduate students – designed to spark interest and build skills in science, technology, engineering, and math. Opportunities include hands-on enrichment experiences, competitions where students develop and present their own ideas, and real-world internships with STEM professionals.
Stay tuned in 2026 as AEOP evolves into Army STEM and our programs continue to expand access and prepare more students for future education and careers.
Camp Invention Check Eligibility
Grades: Kindergarten, 1st Grade, 2nd Grade, 3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade
For kindergarten through sixth graders, Camp Invention is an exciting, week-long summer adventure with activities that explore connections between science, technology, engineering and innovation. Throughout the week, children rotate through various modules that encourage them to work together, seek solutions to real-world problems and sharpen critical 21st century skills. LEARN MORE
Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) Check Eligibility
Grades: 5th Grade, 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade, 10th Grade, 11th Grade, 12th Grade
States: Alabama, Alabama, California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, Texas
For middle and high school students, Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) is a summer STEM enrichment program that takes place at participating U.S. Army Research Centers and Laboratories. 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 can attain the appropriate academic training. LEARN MORE
AEOP Teacher Fellowships
Army STEM Teacher Fellowships provides an opportunity to get summer research experience at participating U.S. Army Laboratories and Centers. This enriching reinforces teachers’ content knowledge through research experience and interactions with U.S. Army and DoD scientists and engineers. Teachers can translate this knowledge and experience into enhanced STEM research curricula and enriched learning for their students. LEARN MORE
eCYBERMISSION Check Eligibility
Grades: 6th Grade, 7th Grade, 8th Grade, 9th Grade
eCYBERMISSION is a free, virtual STEM competition for 6-9 grade students that promotes teamwork, self-discovery, and the real-life applications of STEM. Students form teams of 2-4, led by an adult Team Advisor, and select a problem in their community to investigate with science or solve with engineering. LEARN MORE
Meet Our Students
AEOP alumni are doing amazing things. Hear what our alumni learned and what they’re up to now.
Harrish Ganesh
Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS)
Grade: 10th Grade
Obioma Chukwu
Research Experiences for Stem Educators and Teaches, Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS), eCybermission
Nicole Schnabel
Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program (URAP)
Grade: Undergraduate Student
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