CMI-GEMS Collaboration

GEMS: Gelfand Endeavor in Massachusetts Schools

A collaboration to promote inquiry-based learning in Massachusetts schools, and to help schools develop

Science & Engineering Fair Initiatives

Collaborative Goal

The Gelfand Endeavor in Massachusetts Schools (GEMS) has teamed up with the Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair (MSSEF) through its "Curious Minds Initiative" (CMI). The collaborative goal is to help increase the number of Massachusetts schools and teachers that use the inquiry-based learning model for teaching science and engineering. GEMS aims to inspire students through direct engagement in the discovery process and the excitement of science fair competition.

Through a multi-year partnership with individual schools and mentor organizations working together, GEMS provides schools and science educators with the requisite training, resources and tools to integrate real-world, inquiry-based learning activities into their existing curricula, and to create school-based Science & Engineering Fair Initiatives (SEFI).

GEMS Grants - Process

GEMS Benefits:

1. Funding for a GEMS Partnership in the range of $10,000 to $54,000 over 3 years
2. Technical assistance from the GEMS Team.
3. Additional Funding for Professional Development / CMI graduate courses.

For more information on how to become a GEMS school, email us at: cmi@scifair.com
Grants are awarded to a "GEMS partnership" that includes a local mentor organization.

Funding Options:

As part of a three-year mutual commitment, the GFCT will provide funding through the GEMS Project to Schools (Mentees) and their Mentor Organizations.

1. Funding for schools to create a new SEFI initiative: Up to $15,000 maximum over 3 years ($5,000 per year).
   Note: A “new” SEFI is defined to be one that has not existed for more than 2 years. These schools must work with a Mentor Organization.
2. Funding for schools to expand and improve a SEFI initiative: Up to $9,000 maximum over 3 years. Working with a Mentor Organization is optional.
3. Funding for Mentor Organizations: Up to $12,000 maximum over 3 years: $2,000 per school per year to help guide/mentor a school that is starting a new SEFI.
4. Additional Funding for Professional Development courses (CMI): Up to a maximum of $12,000 over three years for teams of teachers/educators from each school and mentor organization to participate in CMI courses.

GEMS Schools & Mentor Organizations