GEMS -- Generating Excellence in Math and Science

Agnes Scott College (GA)

The GEMS Summer Scholars Program at Agnes Scott College encourages women to pursue math or science degrees. The competitive program is open to up to 14 incoming first-year women. GEMS includes a first-year seminar and creative problem-solving mathematics course in the summer before the freshman year. The summer program also incorporates leadership activities led by upper-class GEMS Resident Assistants on academic skills.

The program includes a number of excursions and speakers related to the variety of career options for students in the sciences or mathematics. GEMS during the academic year includes workshops on academic skills such as test taking, approaching your professor, seeking research internships; and actively helps the students form study groups. In addition, bi-monthly meetings foster psycho-social support. During the academic year, all interested students may participate. Regular check-ins by the GEMS staff help to monitor performance and allow more effective intervention.

Assessment is ongoing as 2010 is only the second summer of this program. The program is supported by institutional and private funding.