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
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.