The GEMS programs at White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), New Mexico are a joint/collaborative effort between the U.S. Army DEVCOM Analysis Center (DAC) and the U.S. Army Test & Evaluation Command (ATEC). 

Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM) Analysis Center’s mission is to ensure that U.S. military personnel and equipment survive and function effectively in hostile circumstances. ATEC’s mission is to provide the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Department of Defense, and other customers with high-quality resources and services for experimentation, test, research, assessment, development, and training in support of the Nation at war. DEVCOM Analysis Center & ATEC both employ many engineers, scientists, physicists and military personnel to accomplish their missions.  These same employees coordinate and conduct our GEMS programs.

Student Information

GEMS High School (HS) is an DEVCOM Analysis Center High School program consisting of a series of engaging, hands-on modules.  Students selected for the GEMS HS program will experience a week of interesting STEM-related activities (robotics, rocketry, computer science, lasers, and more) inside a world class military laboratory. DEVCOM Analysis Center’s laboratories and facilities are not open to the public; this is an excellent opportunity for high school students, as they prepare to make important career and college major plans/decisions. Various topics include: Soldier day, Robotics, Electronics, Rocketry, 3-D Printing, Micro controllers, FM Transmitters, Cyber, Weather, and more!

Information for Volunteers

GEMS is looking for NEAR PEER MENTORS. Local college and high school students, spend your summer mentoring the next generation of innovators.

GEMS and Volunteers

GEMS relies on local college and high school students to work alongside teachers and U.S. Army research scientists to provide inquiry-based, hands-on lab experiments and activities. This is not just a summer work opportunity but a way to give back to your local community.

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

  • If you are 16 years of age or older,
  • If you want to mentor other students with hands-on experiments in U.S. Army Laboratories,
  • And if you have the desire to share your passion for STEM with other students, the program is for you!

Important Dates

January 1, 2025
Student Applications Open

April 30, 2025
Student Applications Close

Take your teaching out of the classroom and into the lab!

GEMS is looking for RESOURCE TEACHERS. Spend your summer introducing the excitement of STEM to a new generation of innovators.

GEMS and Educators

GEMS relies on local teachers 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 Resource Teachers receive a stipend based on experience and education level.

Important Dates

January 1, 2025
Near-Peer Mentor and Teacher Applications Open

March 28, 2025
Teacher Applications Close

April 30, 2025
Near-Peer Mentor Applications Open

Qualifications

  • If you have a teaching certificate or degree in a STEM subject,
  • If you want to introduce students to hands-on experiments and learning,
  • And if you have the desire to guide students typically underrepresented in STEM, this program is for you!
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