Curious about how the world works?

Penn GEMS is an experiential learning, hands-on day camp at the University of Pennsylvania where middle schoolers dive into engineering, math, and science. Explore bioengineering, robotics, AI, materials science, and more—guided by Penn students, researchers, and faculty. Open to all genders, Penn GEMS is your chance to discover, create, and engineer the future.

Program Details

Dates: June 22–26, 2026
Location: University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (day camp only; no overnight accommodations)
Eligibility: Rising 7th, 8th, and 9th graders (current 6th–8th graders in the 2025–26 school year). 
Please review all eligibility requirements before applying.

Why Attend?

• Discover how engineers solve real-world problems
• Participate in challenging, hands-on STEM projects
• Connect with Penn mentors and make new friends who share your interests
• Strengthen your skills in teamwork, communication, and critical thinking
• Explore whether a future in STEM is right for you

Program Goals

• Introduce students to a variety of engineering fields through hands-on exploration
• Encourage continued interest in math, science, and computing
• Provide mentorship and role models to support future STEM aspirations
• Promote collaboration, creative thinking, and confidence in STEM settings