The Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) GEMS 2023 program is a collaborative effort with sessions offered by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL), the DEVCOM Command, Control, Communications, Cyber, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C5ISR) Center and the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense (MRICD).  Programs are designed to excite students in STEM and to encourage their pursuit of higher STEM education and careers. Unless otherwise noted all sessions are offered in-person at Aberdeen Proving Ground.

Sessions

GEMS I:  MRICD Diverse Topics
Students entering the 5th-7th grade will participate in projects from various STEM disciplines such as chemistry, mathematics, biology, engineering and earth science. A team of college students will lead these projects. The hands-on activities are designed to excite the students and inspire them to consider future STEM pathways while they are still early in their educational journey.
2023 Dates: four-day sessions – July 10-13 , July 31-August 3 or August 7-10 (virtual session only)                                                                                      

GEMS II: ARL Diverse Topics
 Students entering 7th-9th grades will participate in activities from a variety of STEM disciplines, such as chemistry, mathematics, robotics, computer science, environmental science etc. U.S. Army scientists, engineers and teachers will provide lessons and lead activities. Discussions will encompass real U.S. Army science applications that provide students with insight to STEM higher education and career pathway opportunities within the Army and the Department of Defense.
2023 Dates: four-day sessions – July 17-20, July 24-27 or August 7-10

GEMS III: C5ISR Center Networks and Cyber
The GEMS III Networks and Cyber Session will provide students in rising 10th – 12th grades with an introduction into how computer networks operate, and how cyber security plays into building, operating, and using those networks. Students will learn a wide range of networking and cyber security topics, including network principles, Internet or Things (IoT), digital forensics, and wireless network security. The Computer Science week is fast paced with hands on exercises and demonstrations, providing the opportunity to apply the skills being learned.
2023 Dates: four-day session – July 17-20

GEMS III: ARL Computer Science Principles
Students entering 10th-12th grade will investigate computer science principles, develop basic algorithms, learn Python programming language and explore how computing and technology can impact the world. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Algebra I.
2023 Dates:  four-day sessions – July 17-20 or July 31 – August 3

GEMS III ARL Robotics:
Students will learn to design, build and program SumoBots that navigate and battle in a fun competition format with other robot teams. SumoBots are small autonomous robots that use sensors to detect each other. In “battle,” they “fight” to push the opponent robot out of a competition ring.  During this hands-on STEM program, students will work in small groups of three under the guidance of Near-Peer Mentors and Resource Teachers. Classes will be hosted at the Army Research Laboratory’s Robotics Research Collaboration Campus (R2C2) in Middle River, MD. Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Algebra I. Nice to have: Completed GEMS III Computer Science Principles or some programming experience.
2023 Dates:  five-day sessions – July 24-28 or Aug 7-11

Important Dates

April 3, 2023
Near-Peer Mentor and Resource Teacher Applications Close
Student Applications Applications Close

July 10-13, 2023
GEMS I:  MRICD Diverse Topics

July 17-20, 2023
GEMS II: ARL Diverse Topics
GEMS III: C5ISR Center
GEMS III: ARL Computer Science Principles

July 24-27, 2023
GEMS II: ARL Diverse Topics

July 24-28, 2023
GEMS III ARL Robotics

July 31-August 3, 2023
GEMS I:  MRICD Diverse Topics
GEMS III: ARL Computer Science Principles

August 7-10, 2023
GEMS I:  MRICD Diverse Topics (virtual only)
GEMS II: ARL Diverse Topics

August 7-11, 2023
GEMS III ARL Robotics

Near-Peer Mentor (NPM):
Summer virtual internship opportunity for STEM or education majors interested in gaining leadership and hands on laboratory experience. Near-peer mentors (NPMs) have the chance to work with U.S. Army scientists and engineers, earn a competitive stipend, develop career network connections and help to inspire the next generation of STEM professionals. NPMs must be US citizens and either rising high school juniors or seniors, or currently enrolled in college. They will receive a competitive stipend based on completed semester hours and experience.

Resource Teacher (RT):
Summer virtual opportunity to serve as a student advisor/mentor as well as a lab instructor. U.S. Army professionals leverage RTs’ skill and experience with students to help deliver curriculum during laboratory sessions. They help to bridge potential instructional and learning gaps between the students and the U.S. Army scientists and engineers. RTs must be U.S. Citizens and have a teaching degree or certificate.  They will receive a competitive stipend based on education level and experience.

Select Apply Today for program descriptions, dates and the NPM/RT application portal.  Applications are open thru April 3, 2023.

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!

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