Driven by a mission to uplift, the GEMS (Girls in Engineering and Mathematics) club is creating a community of aspiring innovators in White Plains who are committed to paving the way for future girls in STEM. The club meets on Thursdays in room G114 to plan upcoming events and discuss the latest innovations in science. While GEMS focuses heavily on uplifting young girls and celebrating women in STEM, membership is open to everyone regardless of gender.

Led by presidents Yumiko Tonachel and Lauren Rodgers, the club organizes community outreach programs at the White Plains Public Library. During these events, held in the Trove on Sunday afternoons, approximately 10 volunteers lead hour-long STEM crafts for local elementary and middle school girls and boys. To date, the club has hosted six successful sessions at the library. During these events, volunteers introduce children to complex science topics through engaging crafts, aiming to inspire a lifelong passion for STEM at an early age. Their curriculum is diverse: students have explored animal habitats by building custom environments and studied astronomy by creating individual models of the solar system.

To highlight current events, the club recently helped children build their own astronaut helmets to learn about the Artemis II mission. Other highlights include a bug jar craft to study insects and a special Earth-themed project on April 19 to celebrate Earth Day. Through these hands-on activities, GEMS makes advanced scientific concepts both accessible and fun for the next generation.

As GEMS continues to grow, the club remains dedicated to breaking down barriers in the scientific community. President Tonachel hopes to continue these sessions throughout the summer to keep students engaged outside of school. These leaders are proving that the future of STEM is brighter and more inclusive than ever.