GEMS Camp Empowers Girls to Pursue STEM Dreams

What began as a small idea—a cohort of girls entering 7th to 9th grade, learning and growing together—has grown into a transformative program. GEMS Camp (Girls interested in Engineering, Math, and Science) became a nonprofit in 2014, the same year it began tracking students over time. As of July 2025, more than 1,300 girls have completed the program, with 85% going on to major in STEM fields in college.

Fourteen-year-old Ashley Castro, a rising high school freshman, is returning for her third summer. Ashley thrives in GEMS' active, hands-on environment—a key reason many girls return year after year. While 80% of participants are from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the program is gaining national attention.

Graduates often return to GEMS as volunteers or mentors. The impact of GEMS is undeniable—helping girls discover their passion, build confidence, and shape their futures through science, technology, engineering, and math.

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