Frequently Asked Questions

You’ll get to do really cool stuff. You’ll make new friends who also like science and math. And you’ll get to learn from Penn students and professors!

When does GEMS take place?

Camp is from 9am-4pm from June 23-June 27 2025 on the Penn campus. Lunch is provided, transportation is NOT. Camp staff will meet campers at a drop off location and take them to their sessions each day. GEMS is a day camp ONLY. Overnight accommodations are not available.

How much does GEMS cost?

Cost is $650 per participant. Each participant will receive a certificate of completion, a GEMS t-shirt, daily lunch, and families are invited to attend the closing reception at the end of the week. A limited amount of need-based financial assistance is available. Contact the Camp Director for more information.

Who can apply?

If you are entering 7th, 8th, or 9th grade in Fall 2024 from Philadelphia and the surrounding area (within a 60 mile radius of Penn’s campus), are interested in math, science or engineering, and have at least a B average, you are encouraged to apply. Participants need to presently live and attend school within a 60 mile radius of Penn’s campus at the time of application.

Qualified students are encouraged to apply to GEMS regardless of their gender or gender identity.

PLEASE NOTE: Participants from previous GEMS camps are NOT eligible to return to the program.

When will I hear if I’ve been accepted?

Admission is NOT first come first serve. Applications will not be reviewed until after the deadline regardless of when they are submitted. Decisions will be emailed to all participants in April.

If you have additional questions, please contact us.