The GEMS Summer Program in Vicksburg provides students who are going into 7th, 8th, 9th or 10th grade in 2024 the opportunity to learn more about U.S. Army engineering and STEM. Programs are free of charge. If you enjoy hands-on activities and want to learn about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects and careers, apply to GEMS in Vicksburg!

About the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Engineer Research and Development Center

The U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC) in Vicksburg, MS helps solve the nation’s most challenging problems in civil and military engineering, geospatial sciences, water resources, and environmental sciences for the U.S. Army, Department of Defense, civilian agencies, and our Nation’s public good. ERDC’s vision is to become the world’s premier public engineering and environmental sciences research and development organization.

Information for Students

GEMS I at ERDC Headquarters

Students entering 8th to 9th grade in 2024 may attend this one week program in an U.S. Army laboratory to learn science and engineering technical skills. GEMS I at HQ builds on the experiences the students have at GEMS I, AOI. Topics include hydrology, chemistry, robotics, and geo sciences.

GEMS II at ERDC Headquarters

Students entering 9th to 11th in 2024 attend for one week in an U.S. Army laboratory to learn science and engineering technical skills. These students will have opportunities in future years to build upon their prior experience in the GEMS program.

GEMS I at the Academy of Innovation (AOI)

Students who are entering 7th and 8th grade in the 2024 school year.  Students attend in-person for one week at the Academy of Innovation while learning about new discoveries at our local U.S. Army laboratory (ERDC).  GEMS I at AOI dives into topics such as mechatronics, water quality, scaling and mapping.

GEMS II at the Academy of Innovation (AOI)

3D PRINTING –  This camp is students entering 9th and 10th grade in the 2024 school year.  Students attend in-person for one week at the Academy of Innovation while learning about 3D printing and additive materials.  Students will also interact with ERDC team members to discover how they are using additive materials and 3D printing in real world U.S. Army applications.

GEMS II at River City Early College

FORENSIC SCIENCE and BIOLOGY – This camp is for students entering 9th  through 12th grade in the 2024 school year.  Students attend in-person for one week at the River City Early College while learning about forensic science and biology.  Students will also interact with ERDC team members to discover how they apply this knowledge to real world U.S. Army applications.

Students who attend IN-PERSON and complete the one week session successfully will receive a $125 stipend.

NOTE: Students are less likely to be accepted in a camp previously attended.

Information for Volunteers

Near-Peer Mentors work collaboratively with teachers, scientists, and engineers to provide instruction and engage students in inquiry-based, hands-on lab activities related to ERDC’s research areas. Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Experience working with students is preferred.

Important Dates

February 1, 2024
Student Registration, Near-Peer Mentor and Teacher Applications Open

March 29, 2024
Student Registration, Near-Peer Mentor and Teacher Applications Close

June 3 - 7, 2024
GEMS I at the Academy of Innovation (AOI)

June 10 - 13, 2024
GEMS I at ERDC Headquarters

June 10 - 14, 2024
GEMS II at the Academy of Innovation (AOI) 3D Printing Beginner

June 17 - 21, 2024
GEMS II at the Academy of Innovation (AOI) 3D Printing Advanced

June 17 - 21, 2024
GEMS II at River City Early College (Biology/Forensic Science)

July 15 - 18, 2024
GEMS II at ERDC Headquarters

July 15 - 19, 2024
GEMS II at River City Early College (Biology/Forensic Science)

Interested in This Program?

If you are interested in this program contact Shelley Tingle by email. We'd love to hear from you!

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