The USAARL GEMS program engages rising 4th through 11th grade students in hands‐on, inquiry‐based experiments and nurtures students’ interest in STEM career fields. USAARL’s GEMS program aims to reach students who are from southeast Alabama. 

 

About USAARL

Since 2011, the USAARL GEMS program has provided STEM education to over 1,000 students from Fort Rucker, Enterprise, Ozark, Daleville, Dothan, and other local communities. Each year the program has grown in both the modules offered and the number of students who complete the program.

Sessions

Planetary- Investigation of geology, oceanography, and meteorology (4th-5th graders).

NeuroscienceInvestigate the anatomy, function, and development of the central system and the brain (6th-7th graders).

BiochemistryExploration of chemical processes and reactions occurring in living things and experimentation in chemistry and biology (8th-9th graders). 

Agriscience- Examination of the application of science to agriculture and develop an understanding of human relations, communication, and the importance of agriculture to the economy (10th-11th graders). 

Important Dates

November 14, 2025
Near-Peer Mentor and Teacher Applications Open

January 15, 2026
Near-Peer Mentor and Teacher Applications Close

January 15, 2026
Student Applications Open

March 14, 2026
Student Application Closes

June 8-12, 2026
GEMS Session 1

June 15-18, 2026*
GEMS Session 2 *GEMS will not meet on the Federal holiday, Friday, June 19, 2025.

June 22-26, 2026
GEMS Session 3

July 6-10, 2025
GEMS Session 4

More Information

Session 1, 3 and 4 are Monday to Friday from 8:30am – 3:30pm.

Session 2 is Monday to Thursday from 8:30am to 3:30pm.

Student recommendation and application form coming soon.

Information for Teachers and Near-Peer Mentors

GEMS is looking for TEACHERS

GEMS and Educators

GEMS relies on local teachers, high school 12th graders, and college students to work alongside U.S. Army research scientists to provide inquiry-based, hands-on lab experiments and activities. The goal is to interest young people in STEM careers early enough that they have the time to prepare for their academic futures.

GEMS Teachers and Near-Peer Mentors receive a stipend based on experience and education level.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • If you have a teaching certificate or are pursuing a degree in a STEM subject,
  • If you want to introduce students to hands-on experiments and learning. 

Apply Now

Teacher and Near-Peer Mentor applications will be located here as they open.

Important Dates

November 14, 2025
Near-Peer Mentor and Teacher Applications Open

January 14, 2026
Near-Peer Mentor and Teacher Applications close

Interested in This Program?

If you are interested in this program email us or call 1-334-255-6907 or 1-334-255-6920. We'd love to hear from you!