The Benefits of STEM
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) programs provide children with hands-on learning experiences that foster creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. These STEM Programs in Portland encourage curiosity and innovation, helping students develop a strong foundation in science and math while preparing them for future careers in technology, engineering, and the sciences. Additionally, STEM camps and activities often integrate real-world applications, allowing kids to see the practical benefits of what they learn in the classroom.
Enrolling children in STEM programs and camps also helps build confidence as they work through challenges and discover solutions independently or in team-based environments. These experiences cultivate perseverance and adaptability—essential skills for success in any field.
Portland Metro; STEM Programs
iD Tech
Website: https://www.idtech.com/locations/oregon-summer-camps/lewis-clark-college
Address: Lewis & Clark College, 0615 SW Palatine Hill Rd, Portland, OR 97219
Phone: 888-709-8324
Email: hello@iDTech.com
iD Tech offers coding, robotics, and game development camps for kids and teens. Their courses focus on Python, Java, AI, and engineering concepts, helping students build skills in technology and innovation.
Saturday Academy
Website: https://www.saturdayacademy.org/SummerCamp
Address: 5000 N Willamette Blvd, Portland, OR 97203
Phone: 503-200-5858
Saturday Academy provides hands-on STEM and STEAM workshops, camps, and mentorship programs for K-12 students. Their courses cover topics such as coding, biotechnology, physics, and engineering, fostering a love for STEM learning
Catlin Gabel Summer Camps
Website: https://www.catlin.edu/summer
Address: 8825 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225
Phone: 503-297-1894
Email: summercamps@catlin.edu
Catlin Gabel School offers a variety of summer camps on their 67-acre wooded campus, providing programs that cater to a wide range of interests, including STEM-focused activities. The 2025 camps are scheduled from July 7 to August 8, with registration opening on February 17.
OMSI (Oregon Museum of Science and Industry)
Website: https://omsi.edu/camps/
Address: 1945 SE Water Ave, Portland, OR 97214-3354
Phone: 503-797-4000
Email: Info@OMSI.edu
OMSI offers hands-on science exhibits, summer camps, and workshops to inspire young minds in STEM. Programs cover topics such as robotics, space science, chemistry, and engineering, providing immersive learning experiences.
Engineering For Kids of Portland Metro
Website: https://www.engineeringforkids.com/portland/
Address: 2029 NW Miller Rd, Portland, OR 97229
Phone: (971) 803-5645
This program inspires young engineers through after-school programs, camps, and in-school workshops. Kids can explore structural engineering, electrical circuits, and robotics in a fun, interactive environment.
Experiment PDX
Website: Experiment PDX
Address: 1421 SE Stark St, Portland, OR 97214
Phone: (503) 889-0931
Email: curious@experimentpdx.com
An interactive science and art museum offering hands-on experiences in science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM). Experiment PDX encourages creativity through tinkering, design challenges, and open-ended experimentation.
Girls Inc. Eureka! Program
Website: https://www.girlsincpnw.org/programs/eureka
Phone: 503-230-0054
Email: eureka@girlsincpnw.org
Girls Inc. offers the Eureka! program, a five-year STEM initiative for 8th to 12th-grade youth. It empowers participants through hands-on, inquiry-based activities on college campuses, fostering educational, professional, and personal development.
CyberPDX Cybersecurity Camp
Website: https://www.pdx.edu/engineering/cyberpdx-cybersecurity-camp-native-indigenous-high-school-students
Hosted by Portland State University, CyberPDX is a cybersecurity camp designed for Native American and Indigenous high school students, offering hands-on experience in cybersecurity principles and practices. The camp aims to introduce students to cybersecurity concepts and potential career paths in the field.
Airway Science for Kids, Inc.
Website: https://airsci.org/
Address: 3710 N Mississippi Ave, Portland, OR 97227
Phone: (971) 420-2835
Email: info@airsci.org
Airway Science for Kids introduces students to aviation, aerospace, and STEM-related career opportunities. Through hands-on flight simulations, drone technology, and engineering projects, kids can gain valuable skills in aeronautics and aviation science.
OHSU K-12 Programs
Website: https://www.ohsu.edu/outreach/k-12-programs
Phone: 503-346-5055
Email: knightscholars@ohsu.edu
Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) provides several K-12 outreach programs, including the Ted R. Lilley Cancer CURE Program, an 8-week summer research mentorship designed for high school students from socially and economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Additionally, the Apprenticeships in Science & Engineering (ASE) Program offers full-time summer internships for 9th to 11th-grade students, beginning with workshops on cover letter writing and interview skills.
Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum
Website: Evergreen Museum Education
Address: 500 NE Captain Michael King Smith Way, McMinnville, OR 97128
Phone: 503-434-4180
The museum offers interactive STEM experiences, including aviation camps, space exploration programs, and aircraft design workshops. Students can engage with real aircraft and space artifacts while learning about flight technology and aerospace engineering.
Starbase Portland
Website: https://www.starbaseoregon.com/pdx-home
Email: STARBASEpdxcamps@gmail.com
Located at the Portland Air National Guard Base, Starbase Portland provides free STEM programs for students in grades 3-8, including summer camps focusing on physics, robotics, chemistry, and more. Students from grades 3-5 can choose to attend physics, robots, and chemistry camps, while those in grades 6-8 can engage in aquatic biology and engineering and design camps. Starbase operates 3-day sessions from 9 am to 2 pm in July and August.
Steve & Kate’s Camp
Website: https://steveandkatescamp.com/portland/
Phone: 503-451-3032
Email: portland@steveandkate.com
Steve & Kate’s Camp offers a summer program where campers choose activities such as coding, robotics, sewing, and baking, promoting independence and creativity. The daily schedule starts at 8 am and ends at 6 pm, with lunches and plenty of snacks included. Every week features a special event, and the last day of each week is a fun-filled all-camp Carnival Day.
Regional & State-Wide; STEM Programs
iInvent (OSU)
Website: https://precollege.oregonstate.edu/iinvent
Email: precollege@oregonstate.edu
Phone: 541-737-0534
iInvent is a hands-on STEM invention camp for middle school students interested in innovation and design. Camps are offered across Oregon. Each Camp is a week long. Participants create prototypes and develop solutions to real-world challenges using engineering, coding, and design thinking principles.
STEM Academy @ OSU
Website: https://stemacademy.oregonstate.edu/
Phone: 541-737-8139
Email: stem.academy@oregonstate.edu
A comprehensive program offering STEM-focused camps and educational experiences for students of all ages. Their curriculum includes coding, engineering design, environmental science, and physics.
Middle School Summer Camps
• Wild About Wildlife Camp: Explore the natural world with biologists, learning how scientists study plants, insects, and animals in both lab and field settings.
• Making with Microcontrollers: Dive into physical computing by building and programming devices using the micro:bit microcontroller, fostering creativity and technical skills.
• Making Arcade Games: Learn to code by creating multi-level platformer and top-down arcade-style games using the MakeCode programming platform, suitable for beginners and those with some programming experience.
• Engineering Camp: Explore various engineering disciplines through hands-on activities like solar car construction, 3D design and printing, and K’NEX building challenges, emphasizing design, collaboration, and problem-solving.
• Art+Metal 3D Printing Camp: Engage in sculpting, metal casting, and 3D modeling, including demonstrations of metal 3D printing technology, to blend artistic creativity with technological innovation.
These camps are designed to inspire and educate middle schoolers, preparing them for future academic and career pursuits in STEM fields.
High School Summer Camps
• Toxicology Camp: Explore how chemicals and substances affect people, animals, and the environment. Conduct experiments reflecting real-world challenges in toxicology and environmental chemistry.
• Color Innovation Workshop: Learn about color trends, symbolism, and schemes in design. Apply design concepts and color strategies to develop mood boards focusing on color and branding.
• “Blender” Camp: Dive into 3D computer graphics using Blender, a free software package. Learn 3D modeling, rendering, and animation to create professional-looking projects.
• Virtual “Blender” Camp: Similar to the in-person “Blender” Camp, this virtual option allows students to learn 3D modeling, rendering, and animation using Blender from home.
• Microbiology Camp: Investigate the world of microorganisms through hands-on lab activities and field trips. Study bacteria, viruses, and other microbes to understand their roles in health, disease, and the environment.
• GenCyber Camp: An introduction to cybersecurity principles, including hands-on activities to understand online safety, cryptography, and ethical hacking. Participate in a virtual Capture the Flag event and an industry-led Career Expo.
• OSU Summer Transportation Institute: Discover how transportation systems are planned, designed, and operated. Engage in hands-on learning and local field trips to explore transportation engineering, including activities like drone flights and simulator operations.
These camps provide valuable opportunities for high school students to explore various STEM fields in an interactive and supportive environment.
STEM Programs and Math Tutoring: A Perfect Combination
While STEM programs provide excellent hands-on experiences, a strong foundation in math is crucial for success in these fields. Private math tutoring helps students build the confidence and skills needed to excel in STEM subjects.
As a licensed math teacher with years of experience tutoring math, I offer personalized tutoring sessions tailored to your child’s learning needs. Whether your student needs help with algebra, geometry, or advanced mathematics, my tutoring sessions provide the support and guidance needed to thrive. Contact me today! to schedule a consultation and help your child reach their full potential in math and STEM!
