Student Interns for Military Laboratories GEMS, SEAP, and CQL
Available programs to support Military Laboratory’s Education Outreach efforts.
The U. S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) executes three Army Educational Outreach Programs (AEOPs) that provide unique research experiences for students through the Youth Science Cooperative Outreach Agreement (YSCOA). Military laboratories interested in bringing students into their organization to gain research experience in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) can utilize one of three AEOPs.
- Gains in the Education of Mathematics and Science (GEMS) is a program where military labs run a 1-4 week in-depth hands-on STEM experience for middle and high school students. The purpose of GEMS is to provide introductory experiences in STEM and spark interest among students. Student participants receive a small stipend to offset the costs of participating in GEMS.
- Science and Engineering Apprentice Program (SEAP) is a program where military labs can recruit, select, and hire high school students to spend the summer (and breaks during the school year, if desired) doing research under the guidance of a military scientist or engineer. The purpose of SEAP is to provide a foundational research experience for students that will encourage them to continue doing research when they go into college. Students are paid a stipend for participation in the program. Military labs must provide the Army Research Office with the funds to support any SEAP students hired.
- College Qualified Leaders (CQL) is a program where military labs can bring college students, graduate students, and recent graduates (with bachelors or masters degrees) into the lab year round, as research interns under the guidance of a military scientist or engineer. The purpose of CQL is to provide a follow-on research experience for students already interested in a STEM field, supplement the curriculum they are learning in college, and help them prepare for advanced degrees and careers in STEM research. Special emphasis is given to keeping the students connected with Army labs, in hopes of building the military STEM workforce. Students are paid a stipend for participation in the program. Military labs must provide ARL with the funds to support any CQL students hired.
How can another Laboratory use these programs?
Any military scientists/engineers desiring to bring students into their labs using SEAP, CQL, or GEMS must work through their laboratory's GEMS or SEAP Coordinator (GEMSCO/SEAPCO). Please review 'Army SEAP and CQL Program Guidelines and DODI.pdf' to understand the basic purpose and authorizations for the program. If your organization does not have a designated GEMSCO/SEAPCO, or you do not know who your GEMSCO/SEAPCO is, contact one of the following for more information your program of interest: ArmyGEMS@asee.org, ArmySEAP@asee.org, ArmyCQL@asee.org.
SEAPCOs wishing to provide funding and hire students and teachers for SEAP, CQL, or GEMS must submit their request and funding by email to: youthscience@arl.army.mil. ARL will only accept complete packages from the laboratory's designated SEAPCO/GEMSCO. The subject line of the email must read 'MIPR FOR STUDENT PROGRAM SUPPORT'. A sample package can be viewed HERE. Packages/funding will only be accepted once per quarter, per laboratory, and must be submitted to the CAM by the 15th of the first month of each quarter (October, January, April, and July). If received after the 15th, the funding may not be added to the AEOP cooperative agreement for distribution to students until the next quarter.
Participant stipends for the GEMS, SEAP and CQL program are standardized according to program and academic level. All SEAP and CQL programs and participants must meet the guidelines within the 'Army_SEAP_CQL_Program_Guidelines_DODI.PDF'
The package must include:
- Cover sheet
- Completed 'SEAP_CQL_Student_Data.xlsx' identifying how funds should be distributed (pg. 2 of New Guidance FY2013)
- MIPRs or FM 131s (with as few different lines of accounting as possible) for the full amount of funding required for all SEAP/CQL or GEMS students and teachers listed on the spreadsheet. This should include an additional 2.5% 'fee' charged by ARO. The MIPR should clearly indicate which program the funds will support (GEMS, SEAP, or CQL). SAMPLE MIPR CAN BE VIEWED HERE