GEMS at U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command – Army Research Laboratory (DEVCOM ARL West) (Playa Vista, CA) is a STEM enrichment program for students. This year, DEVCOM ARL West will hosting the problem virtually, to ensure a safe experience for all participants! This year we have two offerings:
GEMS I
This is a FREE one-week session for middle school students (rising 6th-8th graders). No prior experience required! If you’re interested in learning more about science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), with activities that go beyond the normal classroom offerings, then this program is for you!
GEMS II
Students entering 9th-10th grade will acquire knowledge about circuit design, electronic devices, biotechnology, computer science and robotics through engaging demonstrations, tours, and hands-on laboratory activities throughout the one-week session.
GEMS III
This year, we’ll be providing an online GEMS III experience, targeted for rising 10th-12th graders. For this program, Algebra 1 will be an important pre-requisite.
*NOTE: There will be no stipends for students who participate in GEMS virtually in summer 2021.

You'll Get to
- Learn how virtual reality, human factors, emerging technology, engineering, and mathematics have applications in the real world
- Build working prototypes of digital circuits and gain confidence in your ability to participate in STEM activities
- Collaborate, solve problems as a member of a team, and practice your presentation skills
About DEVCOM ARL West
Started in April 2016 as part of the DEVCOM ARL Open Campus Initiative, DEVCOM ARL West is the Southern California hub of the US Army Research Laboratory. Our research focuses on Human and Information Interaction and GEMS students will be exposed to topics ranging from human-agent interaction, artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality systems for training and soldier skills management. DEVCOM ARL West is co-located with the Army’s Institute for Creative Technologies, which is a University Affiliated Research Center at the University of Southern California (USC). Students will take-away concrete skills of how to do collaborative and multi-disciplinary work.
Important Dates
February 1, 2021
Application Opens
April 15, 2021
Application Closes
April 30, 2021
Students Selected
July 12-16, 2021
GEMS I
July 19-23, 2021
GEMS II
July 26-30, 2021
GEMS III
Interested in this program?
If you are interested in this program email us or call 310-448-5394. We'd love to hear from you!