Find your AEOP Pathway
Camp Invention®
A confidence-boosting STEM summer camp where kids build creative inventions and lasting friendships.
- Summer program
- Rising grades K-6
- FREE with AEOP scholarships
- Locations across the country
Junior Solar Sprint (JSS)
A competition where students design, build and race solar-powered cars using hands-on engineering skills and principles of science and math.
- School year competition
- Grades 5-8
- FREE of cost
- Locations across the country
Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS)
A summer STEM enrichment program where students experience real-world, hands-on STEM activities at select U.S. Army Research Labs. GEMS also recruits Teachers and Near-Peer Mentors (college students) who receive a stipend for their assistance.
- Summer program
- Rising grades 5-12
- FREE of cost
- Locations across the country
eCYBERMISSION
A virtual STEM competition where students, in teams of 2-4, choose a problem in their community to investigate with science or solve with engineering, competing for Savings Bond prizes.
- School year competition
- Grades 6-9
- FREE of cost
- Virtual program; open to all 50 states, U.S. territories and DoDEA schools worldwide
Junior Science and Humanities Symposium (JSHS)
A DoD-sponsored STEM competition where students submit original research to their regional symposium and compete individually to win scholarships and a chance to advance and compete at the National JSHS.
- School year competition
- Grades 9-12
- FREE of cost
- All 50 states, U.S. territories and DoDEA schools in Europe and the Pacific
Unite
A summer STEM enrichment program held on university campuses where students will learn about STEM careers, collaborate and solve problems as a team, and participate in STEM-related, hands-on and project-based activities.
- Summer program
- Rising grades 9-12
- FREE of cost
- Locations across the country
AEOP Internships
A paid, hands-on research opportunity with real-world STEM experiences alongside renowned scientists and engineers in labs throughout the country.
- Summer and year-round opportunities
- High school and undergraduate students
- Stipended opportunity
- Locations across the country
AEOP Fellowships
A paid, professional research opportunity at U.S. Army Research Labs and Centers.
- Year-round opportunities
- Graduate students, PhD candidates, recent master’s graduate, or postdoctoral students
- Locations across the country
Explore Program Types
STEM Enrichment Activities
STEM Enrichment activities spark student interest in STEM from the earliest grades through high school. They also provide experiential learning opportunities for educators. Our programs are great for students and teachers from all backgrounds and interests, and are designed to complement classroom learning and teaching by providing exciting, engaging, hands-on experiences. EXPLORE
Competitions
STEM Competitions are designed to expose students to scientific research methods and engineering principles in an interactive, hands-on way, and enables them to compete for recognition, scholarships and awards. EXPLORE
Internships & Fellowships
AEOP Internships and Fellowships help you gain the skills and experience you need today to prepare for the STEM careers of tomorrow. As an intern or fellow, you will conduct cutting-edge research in a state-of-the-art facility alongside a professional STEM mentor. EXPLORE
Scholarships & Grants
The Department of Defense provides a variety of opportunities that enable students to pursue STEM education through fellowships, grants and tuition-for-service programs. EXPLORE
23,483
Youth participants in 2020
5,066
Adult participants in 2020
90%
Of participants agreed that AEOP contributed to their STEM confidence and interest
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
Are you an AEOP alumni?
Latest Blog Posts
November 20, 2024
Guiding the Next Generation: Meet the Engineers Inspiring Young Minds at Picatinny Arsenal JSS
The Junior Solar Sprint (JSS) program isn’t just about racing solar-powered cars—it’s a hands-on opportunity for students to explore engineering, sustainability, and teamwork in action.
October 22, 2024
Carlise Bethel: From Aspiring Veterinarian to STEM Advocate and GEMS Educator
Carlise Bethel, a dedicated educator with 13 years of experience, has always had a love for science. Growing up, she dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, inspired by the fantastic science teachers she had along the way.
October 15, 2024
Your Plastic Footprint Matters!
By: AEOP Membership Council Member Isabella Becraft I am passionate about the environment. Communities thrive with clean air, water, and natural resources. In my artwork, within the main footprint, I list many positive actions that communities and individuals can take to help keep Earth clean.
October 15, 2024
Helping Address Medical Uncertainty through my work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
By: AEOP Membership Council Member Krish Wahi During the summer of 2021, I was selected for the Army Educational Outreach Program’s (AEOP) Research Foundation Program, where I gained exposure to engineering topics through hands-on activities.
October 15, 2024
Anyone can cultivate a resilient mind
By: AEOP Membership Council Member Radhati Srisukwattananan Whether it’s in athletics, academics, music, or even waiting for a parking spot at Wegmans for five minutes only to get it stolen by an incredibly fast minivan, losing out on a win, grade, prize, or parking spot can be just plain frustrating.
October 15, 2024
Unveiling the Mysteries of the Universe
By: AEOP Membership Council Member Ethan Zhou When I was small, I liked to crane my neck to look up through the windshield on nighttime car rides and get lost in the stars. I was amazed by the legend my mom told me about the goddess Chang’e, who stole an elixir of immortality and escaped […]