The Aberdeen Proving Ground (APG) GEMS 2024 program is a collaborative effort with sessions offered by the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) 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.

2024 Dates: four-day sessions – June 24-27, July 8-11 or virtually July 15-18                                                                                  

GEMS II: ARL Diverse Topics
Students entering 8th-10th 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.

2024 Dates: four-day sessions –July 22-25, July 29-August 1 or August 5-8

GEMS II: ARL Engineering
Students entering 8th-10th grades will learn principles of computer aided design (CAD), applications of additive manufacturing and investigate the science of motion, exploring conditions that affect objects in motion. Students will design and build catapults and then compete in a challenge to study the science of motion and force. Students will design using Tinkercad and will also use a variety of tools to learn about data collection, probability and statistics.

Pre-requisite: Successful completion of Algebra I

2024 four-day session dates: July 22-25, July 29-August 1 or August 5-8

GEMS III: ARL Computer Science Principles
Students entering 9th-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

2024 Date: four-day session – July 8-11 

GEMS III: ARL Robotics 
Students entering 9th-11th grade 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 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 and GEMS III Computer Science Principles

2024 Dates: four-day sessions – July 8-11 or August 5-8

Important Dates

October 30, 2023
Near-Peer Mentor and Teacher Applications Open

January 1, 2024
Student Application opens

March 31, 2024
Near-Peer Mentor and Teacher Applications Close
Student Applications Close

June 24-27, 2024
GEMS I:  MRICD Diverse Topics

July 8-11, 2024
GEMS I: MRICD Diverse Topics
GEMS III ARL Computer Science Principles
GEMS III: ARL Robotics

July 15-18, 2024
GEMS I: MRICD Diverse Topics (Virtual)

July 22-25, 2024
GEMS II: ARL Diverse Topics
GEMS II ARL Engineering

July 29 - August 1, 2024
GEMS II: ARL Diverse Topics
GEMS II ARL Engineering

August 5-8, 2024
GEMS II: ARL Diverse Topics
GEMS II: ARL Engineering
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.

Teacher (T):
Summer virtual opportunity to serve as a student advisor/mentor as well as a lab instructor. U.S. Army professionals leverage Teachers’ 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. Teachers 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/T application portal.  Applications are open thru March 31, 2024.

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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