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

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

Competitions
Internships & Fellowships

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

Scholarships & Grants

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.

 
 

Latest Blog Posts

October 1, 2024

Sebastien’s STEM Journey: From Unite to Robotics Competitions

Sebastien Grey, a tenth grader from Colorado Springs attending Coronado High School, never imagined he’d develop a passion for engineering. That all changed when he joined the AEOP’s Unite program last year.

September 24, 2024

Dr. Maurice Mathis and Unite – Shaping the STEM Journey for NC State’s Upward Bound Students

Meet Dr. Maurice Mathis, the senior director of the TRIO Upward Bound Program at North Carolina State University, who has been instrumental in introducing AEOP’s Unite program to students at the university! 

September 24, 2024

From Participant to Mentor: Edyn Roper’s Journey in STEM and the GEMS Program

Meet Edyn Roper, an 18-year-old freshman at Oakwood University in Alabama, who is studying psychology. Edyn participated in GEMS for four summers and has served as a mentor for the past two! Here’s a look at her journey through GEMS and how it shaped her path!

September 23, 2024

A Passion for STEM: James Perkall’s Journey with GEMS and AEOP

James Perkall, a dedicated 5th-grade math and science teacher at Selma Street Elementary in Dothan, Alabama, has been inspiring young minds for over two decades. With 22 years of teaching experience, James’ journey in education began in 2003 when he graduated from Flagler University with a degree in elementary education.

September 12, 2024

Join the 4th Annual AEOP Veterans Appreciation Challenge!

The AEOP Veterans Appreciation Challenge is back for its fourth year, offering a fantastic opportunity to showcase your 3D design talents, honor veterans, and gain recognition for you and your school!

September 4, 2024

Team Shanti: Ninth Graders Tackle Teen Mental Health with Innovative App

As they begin their ninth-grade year in Naperville, Illinois, Naisha Hamirwasia, Nitya Jayasankar, and Leya Nair are already contributing to their community with their work on teen mental health.