Grades 6-8 Summer Scholars
Why Choose GEMS & GISE?
GEMS/GISE (Girls in Engineering, Math and Science/Guys in Science and Engineering) STEM Academy helps students uncover the wonders of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in a six-week, all-day program.
Choose the GEMS-GISE STEM Academy 6 week program at either Sullivan or Olson; or the GEMS-GISE STEM Blast Academy 1-4 week program at Sullivan, or 1-6 week program at Olson, affording your family flexibility and choice!
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 K-8 are eligible to participate.
Example courses for different grades include:
- Skateboard Science (6-8)
- Engineering the Ride (6-8)
- Journalism (6-8)
- Everest Trek (6-8)
Example courses for other grades (1-5) can be found in the GEMS-GISE STEM Academy links:
The GEMS-GISE-STEM Academy will have an option for students that are only able to join us this summer for a week or two, both at Sullivan and Olson (different application for these locations)!
- Middle School STEM Blasts are one-week Academies in which students immerse and engage in course based, camp like experiences. Sullivan STEM Blast begins July 7th, while the Olson program begins June 23rd.
- STEM Blast courses are held the weeks of:
- June 23-June 26, 2025 (Olson only)
- June 30-July 3 , 2025 (Olson only)
- July 7-July 10, 2025 (Olson and Sullivan)
- July 14-July 17, 2025 (Olson and Sullivan)
- July 21-July 24, 2025 (Olson and Sullivan)
- July 28-July 30, 2025 (Olson and Sullivan)
- 6.5 hours just like the full Middle STEM Academy Summer Experience.
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
Information and Registration
- Dates/Locations/Times Info
- SULLIVAN 6 WEEK PROGRAM- REGISTER NOW!
- SULLIVAN 1-4 WEEK PROGRAM- REGISTER NOW!
- OLSON MIDDLE SCHOOL 1-6 WEEK PROGRAM- REGISTER NOW!
- Course Descriptions
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Public Charter and other District's Students
- Contact Info
Dates/Locations/Times Info
GEMS-GISE STEM Academy 6-Week Program, June 23-July 31, 2025, Monday through Thursday
Thank you for a wonderful summer! Stay tuned for Summer Scholars 2025. Please begin watching our website for applications to open January 7, 2025. Here's to a great school year!
Olson Middle School, 9:15 am-3:45 pm, 1607 51st Ave. N Minneapolis MN 55430, 612-668-1640
Sullivan, 8:00 am-2:30 pm, 3100 E 28th St. Minneapolis MN 55406, 612-668-5000
GEMS-GISE STEM Academy 4-Week to 6-Week Program (varies by location)
Thank you for a wonderful summer! Stay tuned for Summer Scholars 2025. Please begin watching our website for applications to open January 7, 2025. Here's to a great school year!
Olson Middle School, 9:15 am-3:45 pm, 1607 51st Ave. N Minneapolis MN 55430, 612-668-1640: Weeks of 6/23, 6/30, 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/28, Monday through Thursday (select one or more weeks)
Sullivan, 8:00 am-2:30 pm, 3100 E 28th St. Minneapolis MN 55406, 612-668-5000: Weeks of 7/7, 7/14, 7/21, 7/18, Monday through Thursday (select one or more weeks)
SULLIVAN 6 WEEK PROGRAM- REGISTER NOW!
SULLIVAN 6 WEEK PROGRAM- REGISTER NOW!
* Required
SULLIVAN 1-4 WEEK PROGRAM- REGISTER NOW!
SULLIVAN GEMS-GISE STEM Blast Academy (1-4 Week)- Register
* Required
OLSON MIDDLE SCHOOL 1-6 WEEK PROGRAM- REGISTER NOW!
OLSON MIDDLE SCHOOL 1-6 WEEK PROGRAM- REGISTER NOW!
* Required
Course Descriptions
Course Descriptions
- SULLIVAN GEMS-GISE STEM Academy 6 Week Program (Beginning June 23rd)
- SULLIVAN GEMS-GISE STEM Blast Academy 4 Week Program (Beginning July 7th)
- OLSON GEMS-GISE STEM Academy 1-6 Week Program (Beginning June 23rd)
SULLIVAN GEMS-GISE STEM Academy 6 Week Program (Beginning June 23rd)
STEM Innovators Cohort:
The Magic of Claymation (Gr 6-8): This class will cover the basics of storytelling through Claymation. Students will work together developing dynamic characters and plots during the initial storyboarding phase of this class. Students will use creative ideas, modeling clay and stop motion technology to create illusions of movement which will amplify their story. Afterwards, students will celebrate and present their productions as an artistic community.
Engineering the Ride (Gr 6-8): Explore the mechanics of the standard road bike while riding through the urban parks and streets of Minneapolis in this two-part course. Students use the engineering design process to solve problems they encounter.
3D Innovation Lab (Gr 6-8): (field experiences with Dunwoody and U of MN)
Experience what it’s like to be on Shark Tank! Design and create pro-types to present to potential “investors.” (This course includes CAD and 3D printing and various other technologies to help bring your inventions to life.)
Journalism (Gr 6-8): Have your voice heard through contributing original story ideas and writing from student perspectives in the GEMS/GISE/STEM newspaper. Students will learn Journalism basics such as interviewing, note-taking, developing story ideas, editing, and publishing writing in the GEMS/GISE/STEM student newspaper. Aspiring writers wanted!
Tech-ology 301 (Gr 6-8): Next-Gen Tech for Tomorrow's Innovators, Creators and Designers. Students are challenged using a human centered approach to find their passion, building their tech & teamwork skills using a variety of digital tools, tech platforms, coding, information technology, applied sciences, Sphero Robotics, machine learning and AI for Creatives.
STEM Adventurers Cohort:
Expedition Minneapolis (Gr 6-8): (outdoor adventure field experiences)
Discover the richness of the urban forest we call Minneapolis. Engage in a wide variety of environmental field experiences through the use of scientific inquiry while learning to use the tools of a naturalist.
Engineering the Ride (Gr 6-8): Explore the mechanics of the standard road bike while riding through the urban parks and streets of Minneapolis in this two-part course. Students use the engineering design process to solve problems they encounter.
Literature: A Magnificent Journey! (Gr 6-8): Go on a literary expedition exploring new places and times or enter the literary laboratory to experience spellbinding books! The choice is yours! This course supports students reading critically to comprehend, interpret, and analyze themes and central ideas in complex literary and informational texts.
LUMA Robotics (Gr 6-8): Empowering Young Innovators Through Coding and Robotics! In this hands-on class, students explore the fundamentals of coding, engineering, and robotics design to build and program robots that solve exciting challenges. Challenges include navigating obstacle courses, designing autonomous machines, and coding innovative solutions. Through collaborative projects and creative problem-solving activities, students develop critical thinking, teamwork, and technical skills.
Smart Clothing Technology (Gr 6-8): Combine fashion and innovation in Smart Clothing Technology! In this cutting-edge class students explore the exciting world of smart clothing and wearable technology. Learn how science, engineering, and design come together to create garments that light up, track fitness, or adapt to weather. Through hands-on projects students design and prototype their own tech-infused fashion while learning skills and creative problem-solving.
SULLIVAN GEMS-GISE STEM Blast Academy 4 Week Program (Beginning July 7th)
STEM Blasts are one-week GEMS-GISE STEM Academies! STEM Blast courses are held the weeks of July 7th, July 14th, July 21st, July 28th for 6.5 hours per day Monday through Thursday at Sullivan STEAM Magnet School. Families can register for just 1 of the weeks or up to all four weeks STEM Blasts are offered. Breakfast, Lunch and transportation are provided.
STEM Blasts Options
July 7 - July 10, 2025
Drones- Designing, Coding & Flying! (Gr 6-8) In this course students customize their drone by working through designing, building, and flying their own drone! Students work through the engineering design process to iterate their own drone design. Students develop skills in drone flight with different drone models and participate in varied obstacle course flight challenges as they hone their skills.
Solar Explorations! (Gr 6-8) Harness the energy of the sun in Solar Exploration! This hands-on course introduces students to the science and technology behind solar power. Explore how solar energy works, its impact on the environment, and its role in shaping a sustainable future. Through interactive projects, students design and build solar-powered devices, experiment with solar panels, and discover real-world applications of renewable energy.
STEM Creator- Invention Project (Gr 6-8) With Invention Project®, students can learn the business of innovation, from prototype to product launch. Through high-energy, hands-on activities, the course empowers each participant to turn ideas into inventions and find out how to bring those inventions to market. The course encourages students to explore the edges of innovation and imagine the possibility through dreaming, designing, engineering, and producing working products and models.
July 14 - July 17, 2025
Aerospace Engineering & Near Space Flight! (Gr 6-8) In this course students explore aerospace engineering and the physics of flight. Use the engineering design process to plan, design and construct a variety of vehicles that fly. Students design a payload container that will gather data, assist in the launch, and track in real time the near space flight of their high-altitude balloon.
Drones-Designing, Coding & Flying! (Gr 6-8) In this course students customize their drone by working through designing, building, and flying their own drone! Students work through the engineering design process to iterate their own drone design. Students develop skills in drone flight with different drone models and participate in varied obstacle course flight challenges as they hone their skills.
Solar Explorations! (Gr 6-8) Harness the energy of the sun in Solar Exploration! This hands-on course introduces students to the science and technology behind solar power. Explore how solar energy works, its impact on the environment, and its role in shaping a sustainable future. Through interactive projects, students design and build solar-powered devices, experiment with solar panels, and discover real-world applications of renewable energy.
STEM Creator- Invention Project (Gr 6-8) With Invention Project®, students can learn the business of innovation, from prototype to product launch. Through high-energy, hands-on activities, the course empowers each participant to turn ideas into inventions and find out how to bring those inventions to market. The course encourages students to explore the edges of innovation and imagine the possibility through dreaming, designing, engineering, and producing working products and models.
July 21 - July 24, 2025
Aerospace Engineering & Near Space Flight! (Gr 6-8) In this course students explore aerospace engineering and the physics of flight. Use the engineering design process to plan, design and construct a variety of vehicles that fly. Students design a payload container that will gather data, assist in the launch, and track in real time the near space flight of their high-altitude balloon.
Drones- Designing, Coding & Flying! (Gr 6-8) In this course students customize their drone by working through designing, building, and flying their own drone! Students work through the engineering design process to iterate their own drone design. Students develop skills in drone flight with different drone models and participate in varied obstacle course flight challenges as they hone their skills.
MBOTS! Build, Code, Create! (Gr 6-8) Bring your robitic ideas to life in MBots! In this exciting STEM course students design, build, code, and prototype their own robots from start to finish. Learn the fundamentals of robotics, programming, and engineering as you create functional robots capable of tackling challenges. At the end of the session, students will get to take their custom robots home, showcasing their innovation and hard work.
Innovation Lab- In this course Innovation is 3D! (Gr 6-8) Investigate 3D model design to finalize your designs in the 3D printing process. Learn how 3D printers and slicing software work. Students will design in 3D space to create their own 3D characters and objects. The final product will include students creating their own game or board game, rules, and designing their own 3D printed playing pieces and board. Students will take home their projects at the end of the session.
July 28 - July 31, 2025
Drones- Designing, Coding & Flying! (Gr 6-8) In this course students customize their drone by working through designing, building, and flying their own drone! Students work through the engineering design process to iterate their own drone design. Students develop skills in drone flight with different drone models and participate in varied obstacle course flight challenges as they hone their skills.
Innovation Lab- In this course Innovation is 3D! (Gr 6-8) Investigate 3D model design to finalize your designs in the 3D printing process. Learn how 3D printers and slicing software work. Students will design in 3D space to create their own 3D characters and objects. The final product will include students creating their own game or board game, rules, and designing their own 3D printed playing pieces and board. Students will take home their projects at the end of the session.
MBOTS! Build, Code, Create! (Gr 6-8) Bring your robitic ideas to life in MBots! In this exciting STEM course students design, build, code, and prototype their own robots from start to finish. Learn the fundamentals of robotics, programming, and engineering as you create functional robots capable of tackling challenges. At the end of the session, students will get to take their custom robots home, showcasing their innovation and hard work.
OLSON GEMS-GISE STEM Academy 1-6 Week Program (Beginning June 23rd)
For those attending 1 week to 5 weeks:
Tech-ology 301 & Style Engineers
Morning- Tech-ology 301: Next-Gen Tech for Tomorrow's Innovators, Creators and Designers. Students are challended using a human centered approach to find their passion, building their tech & teamwork skills using a variety of digital tools, tech platforms, coding, information technology, applied sciences, Sphero Robotics, machine learning and AI for Creatives.
Afternoon- Style Engineers: Combine fashion and innovation in Style Engineers! In this cutting-edge class students explore the exciting world of smart clothing and wearable technology. Learn how science, engineering, and design come together to create garments that light up, track fitness, or adapt to weather. Through hands-on projects students design and prototype their own tech-infused fashion wile faining skills and creative problem-solving.
Engineering the Ride & Water Adventures:
Morning- Water Adventures: Dive into excitement with Water Adventures! This class introduces students to essential water skills, including swimming, canoeing, and the basics of scuba diving. Building confidence in the water as you learn swimming techniques, paddle through waterways, and explore the underwater world with introductory scuba training. Emphasizing safety, teamwork, and environmental awareness.
Afternoon- Engineering the Ride: Explore the mechanics of the standard road bike while riding through the urban parks and streets of Minneapolis in this two-part course. Students use the engineering design process to solve problems they encounter. Students will also have an opportunity to repair and re-design bikes that, once complete, will be bike tech certified road ready.
Magic of Claymation & The Art of Photography:
Morning- Claymation: This class will cover the basics of storytelling through Claymation. Students will work together developing dynamic characters and plots during the initial storyboarding phase of this class. Students will use creative ideas, modeling clay and stop motion technology to create illusions of movement which will amplify their story. Afterwards, students will celebrate and present their productions as an artistic community.
Afternoon-The Art of Photography: Learn the fundamentals of capturing stunning images, including composition, lighting, and camera techniques. Explore the basics of editing to enhance your photos and develop your creative vision. Using either a smart phone or a digital camera, students iwll create a portfolio of work while gaining an apprections for storytelling through images. The course combines technical skills with artistic expression in a fun and supportive environment.
Game On! & Expedition Minneapolis:
Morning- Game On!: Get ready to move, play, and grow with Game On! This action-packed class introduces students to the fundamentals of skateboarding, archery, pickleball, and soccer. Through engaging lessons and friendly competitions, students will develop sportsmanship, enhance their techniques, and explore the enjoyment of staying active.
Afternoon- Expedition Minneapolis: Discover the richness of the urban forest we call Minneapolis. Engage in a wide variety of environmental field experiences through the use of scientific inquire while learning to use the tools of a naturalist.
For those attending all 6 weeks:
Engineering the Ride: Explore the mechanics of the standard road bike while riding through the urban parks and streets of Minneapolis in this two-part course. Students use the engineering design process to solve problems they encounter. Students will also have an opportunity to repair and re-design bikes that, once complete, will be bike tech certified road ready.
Journalism: Have your voice heard through contributing original story ideas and writing from student perspectives in the GEMS/GISE/STEM newspaper. Students will learn Journalism basics such as interviewing, note-taking, developing story ideas, editing, and publishing writing in the GEMS/GISE/STEM student newspaper. Aspiring writers wanted!
Urban Boat Builders-Swimming: (Course offered in collaboration with Urban Boat Builders & Wilderness Inquiry)
Design and construct hand crafted wooden boats, canoe waterways and improve swimming skills.
Solar Explorations: Harness the energy of the sun in Solar Exploration! This hands-on course introduces students to the science and technology behind solar power. Explore how solar energy works, its impact on the environment, and its role in shaping a sustainable future. Through interactive projects, students design and build solar-powered devices, experiment with solar panels, and discover real-world applications of renewable energy.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I know if my child is accepted into our chosen Summer Scholars Academy? Our summer team will send periodic emails to families to let them know their child(ren) is/are confirmed for one of our Summer Scholar academies. This email will simply confirm registration.
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). Transportation information should be available during the second week of June (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 Academy helps students uncover the wonders of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a six-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. 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 6-8 can choose to attend our our GEMS-GISE-STEM Blast Academy which offers an opportunity to choose between one to four weeks of programming, allowing families to have more flexibility with their summer. In addition, we continue to offer our traditional 6-week program. New this year at Olson Middle School is the opportunity to choose between 1-6 weeks.
My child doesn't attend a Minneapolis Public School? 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 learning academies for grades 6-8. Additional documentation will be required from your child’s teacher, in additional to another registration form. Our summer team will reach out to begin this process. If you live outside of Minneapolis but your child does attend a Minneapolis Public School, your child may attend but you must provide transportation.
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 2025. When choosing the appropriate application (especially important for current 5th graders), choose based on your child’s grade in the Fall of 2025. So, a current 5th grader will choose the 6-8 application. A current 8th grader will choose the Fast Track application.
May I make a request that my child be placed in a class with a friend? Yes, you may. 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.
Will students be placed in classrooms with other students from their year-long school? Requests for being in a class with students from your home schools can be made by emailing SummerScholars@mpls.k12.mn.us . Students will have some students from their attendance area school in their classes. We will honor placement requests as we are able based on classroom and grade level availability.
Will the summer program be following the Covid19 protocols and guidelines as they do during the school day? Yes, we will be following the same guidelines, which may be found here: https://www.mpschools.org/departments/student-support-services/health
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 for transportation for Day 1 is May 2nd. The transportation deadline for Day 3 of programming (which means you’ll need to drive the first couple of days) is June 5th.
Will I be able to use Here Comes the Bus this summer? Yes, you will. It will require a bit of set up on your part however. You will need to delete your child's information and then re-add placing an S in front of their student ID (to indicate summer). Be sure at the conclusion of summer scholars to remove that account and then re-add your child without the S to see school year 2025-2026 info.
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. 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 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 Mpls), please email your child’s IEP to:
Do students in the middle school program get to select their classes? Students in our GEMS-GISE-STEM Academy or GEMS-GISE-STEM Blast Academy for incoming grades 6-8 will rate courses in order of preference during the application process.
Are meals provided? Yes, both breakfast and lunch are provided to summer scholars at no cost.
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.
Public Charter and other District's Students
Additional OUT OF DISTRICT Applicant Forms
MPS Registration Form- must be completed in order to attend
* Required
Continuous Learning Plan
Please print this PDF and give to your student's teacher.
The current charter or other public school teacher will complete this and sign (they do not complete whether the goals were met, our summer teachers will complete this section). If you feel like your student does not have any academic needs such as math or reading, the areas of social/emotional development are ones that we can all benefit from learning, or your student may just enjoy reading.
The parent and student will then sign as well and return the completed form (scan or screen shot) to chrisie.jennings@mpls.k12.mn.us
Private School Students
We sometimes receive Summer Scholars applications from students attending private schools. These students are not eligible for Summer Scholars participation.
They may, however, be eligible to attend our Community Education summer programs. Be sure to check out their options!
Contact Info
Contact
Melinda Stapley
Project Manager, 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
Aftercare Options
https://ce.mpschools.org/youth/mpls-kidsFee-for-service aftercare options for students entering Gr K-7. Click on image below for more information.
LOCATIONS: Sullivan Gr 1-8
For website issues or errors, please contact chrisie.jennings@mpls.k12.mn.us