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, 2024
Teacher Applications Open
January 15, 2024
Near-Peer Mentor and Student Applications Open
February 28, 2024
Teacher Applications Close
April 30, 2024
Near-Peer Mentor and Student Applications Close
June 17-18 and 20-21, 2024
GEMS session (Please note: There is no session or pickup for June 19th holiday)