The GEMS Camp

The GEMS Camp, launched in summer 2010 as a free 6-week Saturday camp, preparing urban girls in grades 7 through 9 to be well-rounded, confident, and ready for college and beyond. Saki Milton, a middle school mathematics teacher was inspired by her 10th grade students who had to complete a yearlong personal project with just $1,000 cash. She decided to use her spring break vacation to create a personal project of her own. Her passion for mathematics and love for serving youths led her to a STEM camp for girls in neighborhoods similar to her own as a child. Because of her experience teaching in affluent and poor schools, Ms. Milton saw numerous disparities between the two and wanted to bring a quality, engaging learning experience for girls who attend large urban schools that arent receiving the free, quality public education that every child deserves. The GEMS Camp began with six student mentors and two instructors. In August 2010, thirty girls were honored at a special gradu...