Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science (GEMS) is a science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) enrichment program for 7th and 8th grade girls currently attending a Seattle public school. The goal of the program is to encourage girls to maintain and broaden their interest in STEM topics by providing hands-on activities, mentoring, field trips, and information about a variety of fields.
GEMS activities occur once a month from November through April, typically held on Wednesdays from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM. We plan to offer 2-4 field trips throughout the program, with final details to be confirmed soon.
The GEMS program is back in person for the 2026-2027 school year! Apply using the link below.
Note: Applications will close on October 23, 2026, and we will let you know by November 1, 2026 if you have been chosen to participate this year! The first activity will take place November 11, 2026.
For any other questions about the GEMS program, please contact us at seattlegems@gmail.com
Who can participate in GEMS?
Any 7th or 8th grade student who identifies as a girl and is currently attending a Seattle public school is welcome to apply.
How much does GEMS cost?
The program is free. GEMS is funded by annual dues from the Seattle Area chapter of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS-SA) membership, and is led entirely by volunteers.
What Do I Get to Do in GEMS?
You will get to participate in hands-on activities once a month during the school year with the guidance of our volunteer mentors. We will also feature optional workspace field trips so you will get to see what it’s like to work in STEM and talk with people who work at awesome places!
Get Involved!
We are always looking for volunteers and organizations to help us support the GEMS Program. If you would like to volunteer with this amazing program or have any other questions, please email us at seattlegems@gmail.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
For any other questions about the GEMS program, please contact us at seattlegems@gmail.com
Thank You!
Seattle AWIS would like to thank many donors, including GEMS families and volunteers. Seattle AWIS would also like to thank the donors who contributed to the GEMS Program in memory of Karen Marie Jensen. Karen was an active contributor to the community through her service as a math tutor to students and her work at the APP Task Force, Lesbian Resource Center, and the Federation of Gay Games. Her passion for improving the lives of young people is reflected in this generous tribute to the GEMS program.
The “W” in AWIS stands for women. Our community knows that the collective “W” includes women of color, women from different socioeconomic backgrounds, women with disabilities, women who are caregivers, and women who are cisgender (when biological sex at birth matches gender identity), as well as those who identify as transgender (when biological sex at birth and identity are different), nonbinary, gender-fluid, and/or queer. We include everyone in our “W.” Indeed, we might even think of the “W” in AWIS as meaning “whole-person.