Information for Students

Student application open on February 22, 2023.

GEMS is free to all applicants.

Formats:
In-person
Hybrid
Asynchronous

In-person GEMS will be offered at

• WRAIR, Silver Spring (Biomedical and Engineering)
• Bowie State University (BSU) (Biomedical and Engineering)
• Richard Wright Public Charter School (RWPCS) (Engineering)
• Morgan State University, Baltimore (Biomedical)

Levels:
GEMS levels (Fall 2023 grade levels)
Beginning (7^th and 8^th grades)
Intermediate (9^th and 10^th grades)
Advanced (11^th and 12^th grades)

Students in the in-person program will receive a stipend of $125 upon completion of the program. Stipend is given to offset cost of transportation.

Students in the asynchronous and hybrid programs are not eligible to receive a stipend.

Programs offered:
In-person: Targeted courses that focus on Biomedical concepts and Engineering concepts will be offered

Asynchronous and Hybrid:
Courses will combine biomedical and engineering concepts

Locations:
In-person GEMS will be offered at WRAIR, Silver Spring and at two other locations (TBA)

Program Timeline:

There will be 9 sessions of GEMS between June 12 – August 17, 2023
Session Dates and levels TBA

• No class the week of July 3-6
• Classes are Mon-Thurs from 8:30am – 3:30pm
• Fridays are for pop-in events and is open to participants in asynchronous, hybrid and in-person sessions

**Please note that registration does not equal acceptance.
Confirmation e-mails will be sent to selected students starting on or around May 1.  Our goal is to complete 50% of the selections by April 30, 75% by May 15.  Remaining 25% selections will be finalized after registration closes on May 31.**

Information for Near-Peer Mentors, Assistant Near-Peer Mentors and Resource Teachers

The GEMS Near-Peer Mentor is typically a college undergraduate. Closer in age to our students, NPMs share their STEM interests with the students, guide students in a hands-on exploration of STEM concepts, and develop meaningful connections throughout the week. In addition to a strong understanding of the STEM content, NPMs offer guidance in choosing high school courses, applying to college and scholarships, and adjusting to college-level academics. NPMs receive stipends based on their educational level.

The Assistant Near-Peer Mentor is usually a high school senior or junior with interest in STEM fields and an ability to work as a team. ANPMs perform a variety of tasks such as maintaining the supply inventory, prepping the lab and assisting the NPM teach a class. Stipends are based on educational level.

The Resource Teacher may be a high school teacher or an academician/educator with a strong base in STEM fields.  The GEMS RT must be creative with the ability to multi-task and have strong leadership skills. Stipends are based on educational level and experience.

Information for Audio-Visual Intern Applicants

Typically a college undergraduate or HS senior, the Audio/Visual intern will serve as subject-matter expert and content developer (recording/editing/etc.) for STEM programming across all formats of GEMS.