We are excited to announce the upcoming 18th Annual Girls Engaged in Math and Science (GEMS) Exposition — a one-day statewide event celebrating girls in STEM!

GEMS is an educational program designed to actively involve girls in STEM-related activities through both formal and informal learning experiences. The program supports the national effort to close the STEM gender gap by utilizing eight research-based teaching strategies that build self-confidence and strengthen girls’ beliefs in their abilities in math and science.

💡 What to Expect

The GEMS Expo features:

🧪 Student Project Showcase

🔬 Interactive STEM Investigations

👩‍🔬 Visits with Female Role Models in STEM

📍 2026 Dates and Locations

• February 5 – Birmingham AL

• February 26 – Northeast AL (JaxState – location coming soon)

• March 4 – U.S. Space & Rocket Center, Huntsville

• March 19 – Gulf Coast Eco Center, Gulf Shores

🚀 How to Get Started

1. 1. Form a Team: 3–10 girls in grades 2–12.

⭐ NOTE: Teams must be established prior to submitting an application to ensure space is reserved for fully prepared teams.

1. 2. Check with Your School or District: Confirm with your principal or district office that your team can attend the GEMS Expo as a field trip if selected. Formal board approval may happen after acceptance, but please verify that participation is possible before you apply.

   3. Select or Create a Lesson: Choose or design a STEM lesson using ALEX resources.

      • Go to alabamalearningexchange.org

        • Click the Resource Repository tab > Select the GEMS tile

   4. Teach & Create: Teach the lesson and develop a project to showcase at the Expo.

🗓️ Applications will open on Monday, November 3rd!

✅ Check out the sample application, selection criteria, and FAQs for details.

Visit the Expo Page to learn more!

This event is based on an application process.  Only teams receiving a notice of acceptance are eligible to attend. 

Sponsors are responsible for travel arrangements and monitoring students following the school/district's field trip policies and guidelines.