About the U.S. Army Research Laboratory-South

The U.S. Army Research Laboratory is the U.S. Army’s sole fundamental research laboratory focused on cutting-edge scientific discovery, technological innovation, and are happy to be hosting Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) in Austin, TX! All camps will be in-person.

Important Student Information

GEMS I: AutoAuto
Students entering 7th grade will explore semi-autonomy through hands on experimentation involving the general-purpose programming language Python to manipulate robotic vehicles through physical and virtual world challenges.

• Rising 7^th graders: June 2-6, 2025

GEMS II: Engineering
Students entering 8^th grade will acquire knowledge about 3D Printing, the Engineering Design Process, the evolution of materials, and soldier protection through engaging demonstrations, tours, and hands-on laboratory activities throughout the one-week session.

• Rising 8^th graders: July 21-25, 2025

AEOP Eligibility Requirements
The U.S. Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP) provides programs that are free for teachers and students to participate. All U.S. citizens* and Lawful Permanent Residents (LPR)** are eligible to participate in AEOP. Reporting U.S. Citizenship or LPR is not required; however, only those students with a valid social security number, or able to prove LPR status, are eligible to a) receive an AEOP award, scholarship, or incentive and b) able to access or participate in U.S. Army laboratory experiences. Awards include, but are not limited to, recognition, educational stipends, scholarships, or travel funding. Participants cannot receive awards, financial or recognition, without proof of citizenship. Please be sure to talk directly to each program administrator if you have concerns. This information is not reported beyond AEOP administration staff.

* The definition of a US citizen from the IRS website:

• U.S. Citizen
• An individual born in the United States.
• An individual whose parent is a U.S. citizen.***
• A former alien who has been naturalized as a U.S. citizen
• An individual born in Puerto Rico.
• An individual born in Guam.
• An individual born in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

**Lawful Permanent Resident (LPR) is defined as the following by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services: “Any person not a citizen of the United States who is residing the in the U.S. under legally recognized and lawfully recorded permanent residence as an immigrant. Also known as “Permanent Resident Alien,” “Resident Alien Permit Holder,” and “Green Card Holder”. F1-Visa holders are not eligible to receive an AEOP award, scholarship, or incentive.

***The Child Citizenship Act, which applies to both adopted and biological children of U.S. citizens, amends Section 320 of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) to provide for the automatic acquisition of U.S. citizenship when certain conditions have been met. Specifically, these conditions are: One parent is a U.S. citizen by birth or through naturalization; The child is under the age of 18; The child is residing in the United States as a lawful permanent resident alien and is in the legal and physical custody of the U.S. citizen parent.

All participants are eligible for an educational stipend.

Information for Near-Peer Mentors

Applications are now open for Teachers and Near-Peer Mentors! We are looking for teachers with experience and knowledge in the above topic areas.  Near-Peer Mentors are high school seniors, college undergrads or graduate students that will work collaboratively with teachers, scientists, and engineers to provide instruction and engage students in inquiry-based, hands-on lab activities related to U.S. Army’s Essential Research Programs (ERP’s). Applicants must be U.S. citizens. Mentors should have some experience in coding using Python and/or 3D printing/basic Engineering. Experience working with students is preferred but not required.