GEM Academy & Center
GEM Academy & Center, 6300 Independence Pkwy, Suite A, Plano, TX 75023
About
GEM Academy & Center offers hands-on STEM projects, physical activity, academic enrichment, and creative crafts in a structured program. The program meets on Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Saturdays from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. GEM Academy & Center operates within a 16,000 square foot facility that uses state of the art technology, up-to-date educational pedagogy, and trained staff.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon class options
• Price: Complimentary Academic Advising Session - $125 Value
GEM Academy & Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of transforming the lives of its students, youth, and the community at large through Guidance, Education, and Mentorship. The leadership team includes Director of Academics Ali Erenkol, Chief Operating Officer Asma Fahim, Director of Educational Programming Dr. Amber Malik Sheikh, and Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator Fatima Unnisa Begum. GEM is nationally accredited by Cognia.
Director of Academics Ali Erenkol is a Harvard Trained College Counselor with a Master’s in Educational Leadership, a Master’s in School Counseling, over 16 years of experience in K–12 education management, and certifications in College Counseling and Education from Harvard University, as well as in Gifted and Talented, Special Education, and ESL. Chief Operating Officer Asma Fahim holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ziauddin University in Pakistan, with U.S. equivalency achieved in 2023. Director of Educational Programming Dr. Amber Malik Sheikh holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University, a Master’s in Hospitality & Asset Management from New York University, and a Bachelor’s in Accounting & Marketing from Rider University. Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator Fatima Unnisa Begum has a Master’s in Information Science, a Bachelor of Education, and over 8 years of experience as a teacher and Vice Principal for Grades 1 to 10 in various schools.
GEM Academy & Center includes GEM Academy for Pre K–12 (3–18 years), GEM Center for All Ages (5–95 years), individualized programming designed to maximize academic growth and self-development, a Civic Youth Leadership Program for middle and high schoolers, Spring Break Camp with multiple camp weeks to match public, private, or Islamic school Spring Break schedules, Academic & College Counseling services, SAT Prep with proven strategies and expert tutors, and an After School Program for 2026–2027. The program uses initial and progress-tracking assessments, adaptive learning tools and resources, and provides guidance on high school and college planning. Its stated goal is for every student to have above average Math and English scores and reach advanced Math by the time they return to school, and it offers programs to prepare students to be mentally and academically ready for demanding honors, AP, and IB programs of high school.
Through the GEM Center, the organization offers programs, seminars, and events for college students, professionals and entrepreneurs, moms, dads, and seniors focused on building capacity within the community. Volunteering to be a mentor or teacher at GEM is described as a way to make a difference in someone’s life and help the youth of tomorrow grow into their full potential while being an act of charity and blessings. The Civic Youth Leadership Program is described as empowering middle and high schoolers to become active, engaged citizens and community advocates.
Last updated July 24, 2026.
• Ages: 3–18 years old
• Schedule: Thursday evening and Saturday afternoon class options
• Price: Complimentary Academic Advising Session - $125 Value
GEM Academy & Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of transforming the lives of its students, youth, and the community at large through Guidance, Education, and Mentorship. The leadership team includes Director of Academics Ali Erenkol, Chief Operating Officer Asma Fahim, Director of Educational Programming Dr. Amber Malik Sheikh, and Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator Fatima Unnisa Begum. GEM is nationally accredited by Cognia.
Director of Academics Ali Erenkol is a Harvard Trained College Counselor with a Master’s in Educational Leadership, a Master’s in School Counseling, over 16 years of experience in K–12 education management, and certifications in College Counseling and Education from Harvard University, as well as in Gifted and Talented, Special Education, and ESL. Chief Operating Officer Asma Fahim holds a Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Ziauddin University in Pakistan, with U.S. equivalency achieved in 2023. Director of Educational Programming Dr. Amber Malik Sheikh holds a Doctor of Education in Organizational Leadership from Northeastern University, a Master’s in Hospitality & Asset Management from New York University, and a Bachelor’s in Accounting & Marketing from Rider University. Administrator & Volunteer Coordinator Fatima Unnisa Begum has a Master’s in Information Science, a Bachelor of Education, and over 8 years of experience as a teacher and Vice Principal for Grades 1 to 10 in various schools.
GEM Academy & Center includes GEM Academy for Pre K–12 (3–18 years), GEM Center for All Ages (5–95 years), individualized programming designed to maximize academic growth and self-development, a Civic Youth Leadership Program for middle and high schoolers, Spring Break Camp with multiple camp weeks to match public, private, or Islamic school Spring Break schedules, Academic & College Counseling services, SAT Prep with proven strategies and expert tutors, and an After School Program for 2026–2027. The program uses initial and progress-tracking assessments, adaptive learning tools and resources, and provides guidance on high school and college planning. Its stated goal is for every student to have above average Math and English scores and reach advanced Math by the time they return to school, and it offers programs to prepare students to be mentally and academically ready for demanding honors, AP, and IB programs of high school.
Through the GEM Center, the organization offers programs, seminars, and events for college students, professionals and entrepreneurs, moms, dads, and seniors focused on building capacity within the community. Volunteering to be a mentor or teacher at GEM is described as a way to make a difference in someone’s life and help the youth of tomorrow grow into their full potential while being an act of charity and blessings. The Civic Youth Leadership Program is described as empowering middle and high schoolers to become active, engaged citizens and community advocates.
Last updated July 24, 2026.
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