GEMS-GISE STEM Academy

Why Choose GEMS & GISE?

Contact

Melinda Stapley
Program Coordinator, GEMS/GISE/STEM
612-668-1207
Melinda.Stapley@mpls.k12.mn.us

Chrisie Jennings
Project Coordinator, Extended Learning
612-668-1242
Chrisie.Jennings@mpls.k12.mn.us

1250 W. Broadway Ave.
Minneapolis, MN 55411

Fax: 612-668-5305

summerscholars@mpls.k12.mn.us

GEMS-GISE (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science/Guys in Science and Engineering) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Academy helps students uncover the wonders of STEM fields in a four-week, all-day program.

Students participate in project-based and problem-based learning, using a hands-on and minds-on approach that integrates the skills of reading and math. Knowledgeable staff help immerse students in high-interest and rigorous STEM experiences designed to provide relevant, real-world connections and career explorations. Students have the option of participating in GEMS, GISE or combined groups. Students entering grades 1-8 are eligible to participate.

Example courses for different grades include:

Grades 1-3
- Amazing Structures: Buildings and Bridges
- STEM in the Gym
Grades 3-4
- Biomedical Investigations
- Roller Coaster Science

Example courses for grades 5-8 can found on this GEMS-GISE STEM Academy page.

American Indian STEAM Experience

Program Description: American Indian STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Experience enhances students’ knowledge of the unique heritage of American Indian Nations found in Minnesota. This course emphasizes Indigenous ways of knowing and learning in the past and present while also exploring American Indian contributions to science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Topics include: Ojibwe and Dakota language and vocabulary; culture-based stories and oral histories; Indigenous star knowledge; methods for keeping count; traditional and contemporary art; and various engineering and design activities. This course is the entire day. This course is offered at Anishinabe only for incoming grades 1-5.

Math and reading will occur within the program.

Children looking for something in a pan of soil

Information and Registration

Dates, Times and Locations

GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science)-GISE (Guys in Science and Engineering) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) or STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) Academies

June 28-July 22, 2027, Monday through Thursday, for students entering Grades 1-4 (5th graders may attend Anishinabe's American Indian STEAM program or Green Central's Bilingual English/Spanish program only)

Locations/Times:

Citywide: Anishinabe Academy (American Indian STEAM program only, incoming Grades 1-5), time TBD @ 3100 E 28th St, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (this is a citywide program so students may live anywhere within the city).

Citywide: Green Central Elementary (Bilingual English/Spanish only, incoming Grades 1-5), time TBD, 3416 4th Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55408 (this is a citywide program so students may live anywhere within the city for transportation).

Northwest Zone: TBD, north of Highway 394/94 and then west of Highway 94 until Broadway St NE, then, west of the Mississippi River.

Southwest Zone: TBD, south of HIghway 394/94 and west of Highway 35W.

Northeast Zone: TBD, north of Highway 394/94 and then east of Highway 94 until Broadway St NE, then, east of the Mississippi River.

Southeast Zone: TBD, south of Highway 394/94 and west of Highway 35W.

Application Deadlines for Transportation & Residential Zone Information

Application Deadlines for Transportation and Residential Zone Information

**If an application is submitted by the below application deadline, then that student's transportation is effective on the corresponding effective date.

Application Deadline	Transportation Effective Date
May 12th	June 29th (First day)
June 22nd	July 6th
July 1st	July 13th

Residential Zone Information

If transportation is needed, the city is divided into four zones for the elementary GEMS (Girls in Engineering, Math, and Science)-GISE (Guys in Science and Engineering) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) program. The table below provides useful information on where to apply for Summer Scholars based on the address you will be requesting for transportation.

Residential Area of Minneapolis	Summer Scholars Location
North of Highway 394 and/or 94 and west of 94 until Broadway, then west of the Mississippi	Lucy Laney Elementary
North of Highway 394 and/or 94 and east of 94 until Broadway, then east of the Mississippi (There is a section just south of 94 in the easter part of the city that falls within the North transportation zone)	Pillsbury Elementary
South of Highway 394 and/or 94 and west of 35W	Lyndale Elementary
South of Highway 394 and/or 94 and east of 35W (There is a section just south of 94 in the easter part of the city that falls within the North transportation zone)	Bancroft Elementary

Course Descriptions

Amazing Builders: Bridges and Towers! (Gr 1-3)

Ready to be an engineer? You'll use special balsawood to design and build super-strong bridges and towers. Learn about force as we see if your creation can stand the ultimate stress test! Let's build big and see what holds up!

Project-Based Math (Gr 1-3)

Math is an Adventure! You'll build your math skills while working on exciting projects involving LOTS of Buttons, amazing Robots, and the life cycle of Caterpillars and Butterflies! This hands-on experience proves that Math and Science are the perfect team!

Puppet Power! (Gr 1-3)

Bring Your Stories to Life! In Puppet Power, you'll learn to design, build, and bring incredible puppets to life! From silly sock puppets to amazing marionettes, you'll craft your own characters and then make them walk, talk, and dance! Get ready to put on a spectacular show and tell your very own stories.

Explore Robotics (Gr 1-3)

Code Your Own Robot with Dash & Dot! You’ll develop essential design and programming skills as you construct a powerful robot prototype that responds to your coding commands. Use your computer to program your robot to move, speak, turn, dance, react, and make sounds to conquer super-fun design challenges!

Simple Machines and Mechanisms: (Gr 1-3)

Do you know the Secrets to Super-Strength! Discover the incredible ways Simple Machines like levers and ramps make work easier! Through engaging, hands-on activities, you'll learn that these clever devices change the direction or amount of force needed to do something big. It's engineering!

STEMintheGYM (Gr 1-3)

Run, Jump, and Learn! This is STEM with a movement twist! This class is a kinesthetic, high-energy way to learn about simple machines and build incredible teamwork skills! It’s the perfect mix of physical activity, engineering, and awesome fun!

Story Starters (Gr 1-3): Using the Engineering Design Process, students will be able to visualize and create stories focusing on beginning, middle, end, character development, and problems/solutions. Students create and present short stories using Legos as well as the Stop-Go Animation.

KoolFit-2four7 (Gr 1-3)

Get Ready to Move! Jump into KoolFit-2four7 and engage in a wide variety of dynamic fitness, recreation, and wellness challenges. You’ll explore how your body works and how technology can boost your health—all while getting active and having fun!

Literacy (GR 1-4)

Students will embark on an exciting literacy adventure focused on one incredible animal. Through reading and writing, they'll dive deep into the creature's world—exploring its habitat, unique characteristics, adaptations, life cycles, and behaviors.

Grade Level Literacy Topics

• Biology (Rising 1st)

• Wild & Endangered Animals (Rising 2nd)

• Bugs In Their Ecosystems (Rising 3rd)

• Marine Life (Rising 4th)

• Animal Adaptations (Rising 5th)

Camp Invention ((Gr 3-4)

Problem Solvers, Unite! Join the incredible National Inventors Hall of Fame experience! You’ll be inspired by world-changing inventors as you work individually and collaboratively to tackle high-energy, hands-on STEM challenges that will ignite your imagination and turn you into a creative problem solver!

Code Commanders: Blue Bots & Spheros! (Gr 3-4)

Drive, Code, Conquer! Your code makes robots move! You'll become a Code Commander as you learn the powerful skills of programming the adorable Blue Bots and the speedy, rolling Sphero robots! You'll use drag-and-drop coding to design secret paths, navigate challenging mazes, control lights, change colors, and even make sounds! It’s a fast-paced, hands-on mission to master sequencing, logic, and real-world problem-solving.

Engineering the Ride (Gr 4)

Hit the trails and discover the science of your ride! As we explore Minneapolis’ awesome bike routes and trails, you'll learn about the hidden simple machines and mechanisms like gears and levers that make your bike move! It's the perfect balance of Physical Education, Science, and Engineering on two wheels!

Innovation Lab (Gr 3-4)

From Idea to Investor! You'll become a true entrepreneur by designing and creating professional prototypes to present to "investors." You'll design your own original game by creating the rules, the board, and even 3D printing the game pieces! Get ready to use 3D printing and other awesome tech to bring your big ideas to life!

Instrumental Music: Strings, Brass, and Beyond (Gr 3-4)

Choose Your Instrument Adventure! This course lets you explore the exciting families of instruments! We'll discover how sound is created, learn basic notes and rhythms, and get our hands on different instruments to find the one that speaks to us! It’s a dynamic, hands-on introduction to making music as a group and starting your journey as a performer!

Natural Systems (Gr 3-4)

Become an environmental detective as you investigate the amazing Natural Pathways in our environment! You'll explore fascinating topics like food webs, owl pellets, camouflage and mimicry, and the impact of things like oil spills. Get your hands dirty with exciting experiments on sustainability, and even work with real-world scientists during some of your investigations!

Project-Based Math (Gr 3-4)

Math Meets the Magic Kingdom! Math is anything but boring when you're creating and problem-solving! Build powerful Math Skills while diving into fun, hands-on projects about Pets, Zookeepers, and your favorite Disney/Cartoon Characters! This project-based adventure shows you how Math and Science connect in some extraordinary ways!

STEM Creator (Gr 3-4)

Innovate and Invent! It's time to become the ultimate Engineer and Designer! You'll dive into hands-on projects where you explore, discover, and redesign. Your creations will include awesome projects like catapults, super-fast balloon cars, amazing Da Vinci bridges, and friction climbers. Every project is a chance to explore, discover, and innovate!

Studio (Gr 3-4)

Mix, Master, and Rock Out! Step into the recording booth! You'll explore the world of music through recording, editing, and composing using the digital program with Soundtrap! You will also uncover the acoustics, math, electronics, and physics behind every beat and m

Frequently Asked Questions

When will I know if my child is accepted into our chosen Summer Scholars Academy? Within 10-14 days of submitting your application, you will receive an email confirmation of acceptance. Please first look in your SPAM folder before emailing SummerScholars@mpls.k12.mn.us.

When will we find out more details about our summer scholar program, such as transportation, meals, schedules, etc? Further information should be sent out the first couple weeks of May (program details in a welcome letter sent via School Messenger and/or in a welcome letter section of our summer website). Transportation information should be available during the week of June TBD (via robocall/text/email).

What does a typical day look like? GEMS-GISE (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science/Guys in Science and Engineering) STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Academy helps students uncover the wonders of STEM fields in a four-week, all-day program. Students participate in project-based and problem-based learning, using a hands-on and minds-on approach that integrates the skills of reading and math. Knowledgeable staff help immerse students in high interest and rigorous STEM experiences designed to provide relevant, real-world connections and career exploration. Students have the options of participating in GEMS, GISE or STEM (combined gender groups). A typical day this summer will include all the above-mentioned opportunities, student engagement in outdoor learning spaces, active investigative discovery, and a half hour of recess for students daily. Students in grades 5-8 attending Sullivan/Anishinabe may also choose to attend our GEMS-GISE STEM Blast Academy which offeres an opportunity to choose between one to three weeks of programming, allowing families to have more flexibility with their summer.

My child doesn't attend a Minneapolis Public School (MPS)? Is my child allowed to attend? If your child attends a charter school or other district public school, and you reside in Minneapolis, your child may attend our in-person learning academies for grades 5-8. Additional documentation will be required from your child’s teacher, including a Continuous Learning Plan and possible a second (different) MPS Registration Form. Our summer team will reach out to begin this process.

My child attends a charter school but doesn't have any academic needs, may he/she still attend? As mentioned above, we do need feedback from your child’s teacher. If your child does not require academic assistance, there are other areas that will qualify (social/emotional needs), such as practicing perseverance, maintaining positive relationships, etc.

My child needs to miss some of the summer scholar program due to vacation (or other reason). Is this okay? Because of our project-based learning techniques, i.e. group work, we prefer that a student does not miss any time. We do understand, however, that things may come up (i.e. previously planned events). In this event, however, we do not want a child missing more than one week. Please notify your site when your child is absent.

Do I select an application based on my child's current grade or on their grade in the Fall of 2027? When choosing the appropriate application (especially important for current 4^thgraders), choose based on your child’s grade in the Fall of 2027. So, a current 4^thgrader will choose the 5-8 application. A current 8^thgrader will choose the Fast Track application. The exception is a current 4th grader who wants to attend the Anishinabe American Indian STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) program or the Green Central Bilingual STEM program. They will complete a Grades 1-4 application, see that section.

May I make a request that my child be placed in a class with a friend? Yes, you may for up to three friends (we suggest you coordinate with the other parents/guardians). We will do our best to honor these requests, however, know that it is not a guarantee. Multiple factors may contribute to this decision, such as class size/availability, session time, etc.

How do I make a later request, or changed request, for transportation? You may email SummerScholars@mpls.k12.mn.us . Please be sure to include your child’s name along with their pickup and drop off address. Please know that the deadline to get your application in for transportation for the first day of Summer Scholars is TBD. The application deadline for all transportation change dates is:

Application Deadline	Transportation Effective Date
TBD	June 28th (First day)
TBD	July 5th
TBD	July 12th
TBD	July 19th

Will I be able to use My Ride this summer? My Ride is the newer parent app for families and caregivers to track their student’s yellow bus. Yes, you may use the My Ride app to view your student's bus info. Bus location may be viewed when the bus has their GPS turned on. My Ride K-12 website is a great resource for information and provides additional details.

Will a nurse be available at the summer academy sites? Yes, we will have a nurse on site during our summer academies.

My child has an IEP (Individualized Education Program). What does that mean for the Summer Scholars Academy? We employ social workers for our summer academies. Our social workers will review your child’s IEP and work with the summer academy location to determine implementation of those needs. In some cases, it may be determined that your child is best suited in one of our ESY (Extended School Year) summer locations. In the event of this, our team will reach out to you. If your child attends a charter school or non-MPS public district (and you live in Minnenapolis), please email your child’s IEP to:

SummerScholars@mpls.k12.mn.us

Do students in the elementary program get to select their classes? They will not. Students will be scheduled for a variety of course offerings.

Are meals provided? Yes, both breakfast and lunch are provided to summer scholars at no cost. Menus may be found under "Summer Menus" @ Summer Menus

Is there a cost to participate? No, there is no cost to participate in our Summer Scholars Academy.

Who do I contact if student is going to be out? Please contact your summer location’s office to report absences.

Contact Info

Minneapolis Kids Before/After Summer Scholars no longer offered

Minneapolis Kids Before/After Summer Scholars will no longer be offered for summer scholars. We apologize for the inconvenience.

Options for Families

Fill the rest of your summer around the new Summer Scholars dates by signing up for full-day care at Minneapolis Kids (25 days minimum) or Super Summer camps.
Limited extended-day care is available for select Summer Scholars locations through SLAM (Snacks, Laughs, Art & Movement) aftercare. For more information on fees, locations, times and registration, see below.

Welcome Letters

After-care Option: SLAM (Snacks, Laughs, Art and Movement)

SLAM after-care is a fee-based program running (to be determined), for select Summer Scholars locations:

To Be Determined (TBD)
TBD

TBD

Summer Scholars Location	SLAM Location	SLAM Program Time
TBD	SLAM at TBD	TBD
TBD	SLAM at TBD	TBD
TBD	SLAM at TBD	TBD
TBD	SLAM at TBD	TBD
TBD	SLAM at TBD	TBD

Summer scholars locations to be determined will not have a SLAM aftercare option due to their later start/end time.

Transportation

Transportation will be provided from Summer Scholars locations to the SLAM location. Caregivers are responsible for picking up at the end of the SLAM program at TBD.

Registration

The application opens TBD

Apply here

Please be aware that there are limited spaces available at each SLAM site.

Cost

Sliding scale fee per week: TBD

Once you are accepted into a SLAM aftercare location, please email summerscholars@mpls.k12.mn.us to let us know.

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