Army Educational
Outreach Program
Brief
Gains in the Education of Mathematics and
Sciences (GEMS-Japan)
Young Engineers and Scientists
(YES-Fort Detrick)
COL Nancy L. Vause, Ph.D.
USA Medical Research & Materiel Command
Lanae Y. Johnson
U.S. Army, Fort Detrick, MD
Program Background
Year the program was initiated: GEMS/YES 2006
GEMS-Japan 2007
Services Involved: GEMS/YES – Army
GEMS-Japan – Army, Navy, AF & USJGSDF
Organizations Involved:
•GEMS/YES - Fort Detrick, USAG, USAMRMC (e.g., HQ, USAMRIID, USACEHR,
WRAIR). SAIC, Hood College, Mount St. Mary’s University, Frederick County Public
Schools
•GEMS-Japan – USACHPPM-PAC, USAMRIID, WRAIR, USAG-J, USAR-J, DODEA
Camp Zama, Atsugi Naval Health Clinic, SAMS Army Health Clinic, Dentac, Vetcom,
Top 5 NCOs, Audi Murphy Club, MWR, Army Family Covenant, IMCOM Pacific.
Sagamihara Community Center, Tomota Nishi High School English Club,
Zama Officer Wives Club. Japan Engineer District, JFSDF, Tomadachi Assoc.
Originating office: GEMS/YES - Directorate, Community Support Programs (DCSP),
USAG, USAMRMC
•GEMS-Japan – USACHPPM-PAC, USAMRMC (e.g., HQ, USAMRIID, WRAIR)
2
Program Description
GEMS/YES Fort Detrick
• Fort Detrick’s Young Engineers and Scientists
Program
(YES) offers internships for middle school students in Hood
College laboratories.
YES I (1st year interns (6th & 7th grade)
YES II (2nd year interns- 7th & 8th grade)
YES III - Assistant Near-Peer Mentor (3rd year interns FY09)
• USAMRMC-HQ initiative managed by USAG.
• Based on WRAIR’s GEMS program targets younger students for 1
wk internships to expand the intellectual pipeline.
• Supports the Surgeon General’s balance score card and strategic
goal to “build the bench” with a competent and ready future work
force.
3
Program Description
GEMS Japan
• Camp Zama’s GEMS provides elementary and middle school
American and Japanese students an internship opportunity in
DoDEA high school laboratories.
GEMS- J I (1st year interns (4th - 6th grade)**
GEMS- J II (2nd year interns- 7th & 8th grade)
** FY 09 will include 3rd graders in GEMS- J I
• The GEMS-Japan is an USAMRMC expansion initiative managed
by USACHPPM-PAC supporting bilateral projects.
• Consistent with the SG’s BSC and strategic goals.
4
Points of Contact/Collaborations
• USAMRMC POC
COL Nancy Vause
301-619-8557, nancy.vause@us.army.mil
• USA USACHPPM-PAC POC
Jana York
315-263-8504, janet.york@us.army.mil
• USAMRIID POC
LTC Felecia Langel
301-619-4811, felecia.langel@.uc.army.mil
• USAG POC
Edward Nolan, Director Community Support Programs
301-619-2858, edward.nolan@us.army.mil
• YES Program Coordinator
Carrie Michaels, YES Coordinator
301-619-9658, carrie.michaels@us.army.mil
Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)
5
Goals and Objectives
• Recruit and prepare the next generation of scientists, engineers,
health care professionals and support staff for DOD, communities
and our Nations.
• Motivate all students to take more challenging science and math
courses and return yearly for more sophisticated laboratory
studies.
• Promote good will, collaboration, and better understanding among
cultures, social groups, and local communities.
• Recruit future Near-Peer Mentors and research interns.
6
Strategy
• Implement recommendations and actions of NAS 2005 report
“Rising Above the Gathering Storm”.
• Import and tailor the WRAIR-GEMS Near-Peer Mentorship
concept to local schools as summer STEM programs.
• Recruit accomplished high school and college level students as
Near-Peer Mentors.
• Target younger students & develop “hands on” inquiry-based (IB)
curriculum linking experiments to STEM careers and healthy eco
friendly lifestyles.
• Host sessions in college or new high school laboratories.
• Engage DOD scientists to introduce unique military career
opportunities and share knowledge and expertise with Near
Peers, students and teachers.
7
Program Processes
GEMS/YES Fort Detrick
• Summer 09 registration opens 1 April 2009.
Applications available
http://www.detrick.army.mil/YES
@
• USAMRMC/USAG Contracts a YES Program
Coordinator.
• YES advisory panel includes Fort Detrick, Frederick public and private
schools, Hood and Mt. St. Mary’s College SMEs.
• Near-Peer applicants submit a resume and
undergo a competitive selection interview.
Each Near-Peer leads 1 group of 4 to 5 interns
each week and receives a stipend.
• Each student intern completes an application
including 2 essay questions. A teacher must
also complete a recommendation form.
8
Program Processes
GEMS/YES Fort Detrick
• FY08 staff included: 9 Near-Peers;
1 student public relations specialist;
1 resource teacher;
1 science advisor;
1 Hood College intern
• The YES program is not at full capacity
(180 students). Will implement a selection
committee if needed.
• Logistic support provided by
Fort Detrick.
• Students may attend 1 of the
6 one week summer sessions.
• Interns earn $50.00 upon
successful completion of the
program.
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Program Processes
GEMS Japan
• Summer 09 registration opens 1 April 2009. Applications available @
http://www.usarj.army.mil/organization/USACHPPM-PAC-pac/
• USACHPPM-PAC/USAG-J managed the GEMS-J
program with a DAC Health Promotion Outreach Coordinator.
• GEMS contracts GEMS-J Science
Coordinator & Resource Teacher.
• MEDDAC, MWR, DODEA, DENTAC, VETS
& Japanese JAXA serve as SMEs.
• American and Japanese Near-Peer applicants
submit a resume and undergo a competitive selection interview.
• Near-Peer bilateral teams lead 1 group of 6 to 8 interns per week. Only
American Near peers receive a stipend. Japanese Near Peers receive
academic credit.
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Program Processes
GEMS Japan
• FY08 staff included:
10 Near-Peers
1 resource teacher
1 Interpretor
1 Near-Peer Leader
1 science advisor
1 NCOIC
• Near-Peers trained 3 wks prior to the 4 one week sessions. Near-Peers
remained 1 wk following completion of the sessions to conduct statistical
analysis.
• Logistic support provided by USACHPPM-PAC. Lab book translation support
provided by USAR-J G8
• Students may attend 1 of 4 one week summer sessions. The GEMS program
is not at full 240 intern capacity (60/wk). A selection committee will be
implemented if needed.
• Interns are not paid.
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Promotional Materials
• Promotional items: brochure, t-shirts, buttons, lab coats, and flyers
• Web site
• Fort Detrick http://www.detrick.army.mil/YES
• Camp Zama
http://www.usarj.army.mil/organization/USACHPPM-PAC-pac
• The Coordinator attends teacher in-service days to brief and hand out
information on the program.
• Program Coordinator briefs Child Youth and School Services (CYSS), Camp
Zama Newcomers, Community forums in Japan
• Near-Peer Mentors join Coordinators visiting schools
promote the program with experiment demonstrations.
• Jolene mannequin given to each school for year
round testing of i-pod dangerous decibel levels (Japan).
to
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Impact of Program
• Fostered good community relations and collaborations between military and
local middle and high schools and colleges.
GEM
S
• Reduced tensions between Atsugi Naval Air
Station and surrounding Japanese communities.
• Sparked community interest in science, math,
engineering and medicine with student advocates
spreading their enthusiasm to family and friends.
• Improved school and academic opportunities for
Army/military children whose academics often suffer due to multiple moves.
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Impact of Program
• Parents and teachers reported an increased
interest and confidence in science classes.
PARENT
STUDENT
• Exposed parents, teachers, students &
community to the Army’s humanitarian
and scientific opportunities and missions.
the
TEACHER
AEOP
• Enhanced Army community and international
relations.
• Legal Concerns: Purchasing with ear-marked funding; Students keeping
lab coats; Purchase restrictions on promotional items; Army Family
Covenant funding international student participation; Army liability for
injuries; Student transportation; Student medication; Access to Army
installations.
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Student Benefits
• Challenged students to pursue more rigorous and competitive courses.
• Offered student opportunities to conduct new
activities or research in state of the art college
level laboratories.
• Provided college experience from mock-registration and book store activities to tours
of the campus and dorms. For many this is their first experience on a college campus
(Fort Detrick) or military base (Japan).
• Exposed students to JAXA (Japanese NASA)
astronauts and robotics (Camp Zama).
• Met and worked as a scientific team with other
same age interns from different cultures, schools
or classes.
• Forged new friendships and broaden their worlds.
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Student Benefits
Surveys indicated all students enjoyed the program AND graduated
with an increased interest in STEM subjects.
40
100
90
80
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
0
Do you
enjoy
Math
and
Science
35
30
25
20
15
10
Yes
No
5
0
Low interest
Moderate interest
High interest
100%
After
GEMS do
you like
Math and
Science
80%
Liked
GEMS
Disliked
GEMS
60%
40%
20%
0%
neutral
interested
very
interested
This program for the first time introduces science positively for some
students boosting confidence.
Programs introduce career options to students’ and mentors.
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Awards, Selection Process & Criteria
Fort Detrick student interns receive a certificate
and a $50.00 stipend upon successful
completion of the program.
Camp Zama interns select a Japanese
and American recipient of the:
Broken Beaker Award
Ambassador Award
Comedian Award
Camp Zama Near-Peers select an
American and Japanese recipient for a
GEMS-J Best Scientist Award
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Participating Schools
GEMS/YES Fort Detrick
YES was first offered at West Frederick Middle School. West Frederick was selected as it has
a significant population of children coming from “challenged” backgrounds. This past summer
was the first summer to more broadly accept students from all Frederick County Public
Schools, private schools, and children from surrounding counties and states whose parents
work at Fort Detrick.
Maryland Public Schools
Ballenger Creek Middle
Crestwood Middle
Middletown Middle
Monocacy Middle
Oakdale Middle
Thurmont Middle
Thomas Johnson Middle
Tuscarora Middle
Urbana Middle
Walkersville Middle
West Frederick Middle
Landsdowne Middle
Rocky Hill Middle
Sykesville Middle
Northern Middle
Smithsburg Middle
Maryland Private Schools
Friends Meeting School
Mother Seton
New Life Christian
St. Johns Regional
St. John the Baptist
Telos Academy
The Banner School
Visitation Academy
Broadfording Academy
Other
Coulwood Middle-North Carolina
Waynesboro Middle-Pennsylvania
Home school
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Participating Schools
GEMS Japan
GEMS was first offered to Camp Zama and Atsugi Elementary and Middle
School students. Camp Zama was selected as it has a military children
stationed overseas. This was the first time many local Japanese students
and military students officially interacted.
Students
Camp Zama Middle School
Camp Zama Elementary School
Yokohoma Middle School
Yokohoma High School
Tomota Nishi Middle School
Local Private School
Atsugi Elementary School
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Constitutes
• Number of students involved annually (Ft Detrick/Camp Zama)
FY06
FY07 136/160
FY08 140/240 FY09 160
FY10 180
• Number of elementary and middle schools involved annually
FY06
FY07 10/2
FY08 27/3
FY09 30
FY10 35
Colleges/Universities Involved
Hood College
Mount St. Mary’s University
Tulane University
Towson University
University of Maryland
Florida State University
Iowa University
University of Pennsylvania
University of Wisconsin
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S & T Involvement
Army S&T organizations involved
• USAMRMC
• USACHPPM-PAC (& AMEDD Partners)
• JAXA (Japanese NASA)
•
USAG (Ft Detrick and Camp Zama)
• Directorate, Community Support Programs
• Directorate, Information Management (Summer 2009)
•
USJSDF ENG BN
•
21st Signal Brigade (Summer 2009)
• Participating Laboratories
• United States Army Medical Research
of Infectious Disease (USAMRIID)
• United States Army Center for
Health and Research (USACEHR)
• Telemedicine & Advanced Technology
Institute
Environmental
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Funding
• Total funding
FY06
FY07
FY08
FY09
FD
75K
80K
$80K
$85K
CZ
50K
$55K
$60K
GEMS/YES FD Funding Sources
•USAMRMC
•USAG
•Hood College (Science labs and facilities at no charge)
•Minimal parent/community contributions
FY10
$90K
$70K
GEMS-Japan CZ Funding Sources
•USACHPPM-PAC
•USAG-J
•IMCOM Pacific Region
•Army Family Covenant
•DoDEA (Science labs and facilities at no charge)
•CZ MWR
Camp Zama, Japan
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Success Stories
Frederick County News Post Article
http://www.fredericknewspost.com/sections/news/display.htm?StoryID=77513
• Gazette
http://www.gazette.net/stories/071708/frednew172719_32355.shtml
• SAIC article
• Torri
http://www.torii.army.mil/archives/archives/2007/aug/23/index.htm
• Stars and Stripes
GEMS of an idea
Sessions at Zama sponsored by the Army aim
to interest students in math, sciences
By Bryce S. Dubee, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Wednesday, August 8, 2007
• USARJ This Week – Pentagon
Channel
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Recommendations
•Sponsor an Educational Outreach Best Practices Seminar/Workshop
•Propose GEMS/YES as a model for an IMCOM CYSS worldwide program.
Jointly resourced for staffing, equipment, supplies, etc.
IMCOM Child, Youth & School Services (CYSS) POCs
MG John A. MacDonald, 703-602-1751, ohn.macdonald4@us.army.mil
M.A. Lucas, IMCOM, 703-681-5385, m.a.lucas@us.army.mil
Van Chaney, IMCOM School Liaison 703-681-4850, charles.v.chaney
@us.army.mil
•Expand GEMS/YES program to additional S&T communities (CONUS and
OCONUS)
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Recommendations
•Develop Army commitment and policy for Army community involvement in
direct support of local and DoDEA school systems targeting careers needed for
the scientific future workforce.
(Our future mission accomplishment is our responsibility today. We must
support not just for military children, but all children. Army leaders must
recognize and get involved with development of our future workforce. This will
improve educational opportunities for our military children and all children
benefitting from proximity to Army installations; locations where needed impact
can happen. This is in concert yet expanding current IMCOM Child and Youth
philosophy.)
•Develop a standardized IRB protocol and conduct follow on studies to
measure long term program effectiveness.
•Create opportunities for teacher summer sabbaticals for research projects
Army S&T labs.
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Additional Outreach Efforts
Fort Detrick/Japan
• Connections Beyond the Classroom
– Focus on educators
– “Connecting” Fort Detrick scientists, professionals and staff
with educators for business/classroom link
• Adopt-A-School
– Fort Detrick personnel volunteering for 45 minutes on a weekly
basis in a classroom
• Project Lead the Way
– In school/classroom business advisory to select STEM subject
areas
• College/University Outreach
– On-post introduction to research: tours, internships,
mentoring, summer hires
Additional Outreach Efforts
Fort Detrick/Japan
• Achievement Counts
– 9th Grade classroom lectures on the importance of high school
study given by adult volunteers
• Frederick County Business Roundtable for Education
– Founding member and Trustee of a local Business/Education
partnership to provide collaborative ideas, perspective and realworld experiences that increase opportunities for students and
teachers to prepare the next generation of business leaders in our
community.
• Book Chapter & Presentations
– Vause, Nancy L. (2008). Children and Hearing,
Ergonomics for children...Designing products &
places for toddlers to teens, Edited by Rani Lueder
and Valerie Berg Rice, Taylor & Francis (London &
N.Y.) IBN No. 0415304741,
http://humanics-es.com/child-ergonomics.htm
– Pacific DoDEA Principals Conference 2008 – GEMS
– Asia Pacific Military Medical Conference – Singapore 2008
• Building Tomorrow Medical Teams