Is your daughter ready to dive deeper into STEM programs? We have compiled a list of organizations that offer more in-depth camps, classes, or after school programs to continue developing her interest in STEM.
Portland is fortunate to be home to OMSI, where budding scientists and engineers can explore the museum through hands-on activities and exhibits. Their mission is to inspire curiosity through engaging science learning experiences, foster experimentation and the exchange of ideas, and stimulate informed action. Whether its a visit to the museum or a summer camp, OMSI offers a range of opportunities for all ages. It is ranked as one of the top science centers in the United States and has an international reputation for its innovative exhibits and educational programs.
Just outside Portland is the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum located in McMinville, OR. Their mission is to inspire and educate, promote and preserve aviation and space history, and honor the patriotic service of our veterans. Their aircraft, exhibits, and artifacts offer stunning examples of aviation achievement, they also strive to create an environment that not only teaches children, youth, and adults about aircraft, but also demonstrates the importance of human skills like mathematics, science, teamwork, determination, and perseverance.
Girls Who Code was founded with a single mission: to close the gender gap in technology. Serving over 40,000 girls in 6th-12th grades in all 50 states, their program aims to make computer science and coding fun and accessible to all girls. Their programs include after school clubs and two week summer camps for middle and high school girls as well as a seven week summer immersion for 10th-11th grade girls. Their Clubs Program is completely free and provides computer and internet access to its members. With over 15 club locations in the Portland Metro area, you can check out their website for a location near you.
Saturday Academy strives to engage all motivated young people, including those from under-represented communities, in hands-on, in-depth learning by connecting them to community experts as educators and mentors. Their innovative after-school and weekend programs are open to all students in grades 2 through 12. Saturday Academy values all learning, offering experiences in many disciplines, while emphasizing STEM, because these fields are critical for children’s careers and their fast pace of change is difficult to address in traditional school settings. With various locations throughout the Portland Metro area, you are sure to find a location and class that works for you.
Engineering For Kids brings STEM to kids ages 4 to 14 in a fun and challenging way through classes, camps, clubs, and parties. They inspire children to build on their natural curiosity by teaching engineering concepts through hands-on learning. Engineering For Kids offers a range of camps and classes in multiple locations in the Portland Metro area (as well as nation wide) so you are certain to find something that fits your schedule and interest.
Chicktech facilitates hands-on technology-centric events and programs to empower, support, and increase the confidence of women and girls. Through their events, they build community, empower participants to see themselves as leaders, and provide networking and mentoring opportunities in the rapidly growing high tech industry. Their main program, ChickTech: High School, broadens the tech pipeline by finding high school girls with untapped tech potential and providing them with workshops, mentoring, and other opportunities to get more engaged with the tech industry. They also offer a middle school summer camp in the Portland area.
Girls Inc. of the Pacific Northwest inspires girls to be strong, smart, and bold. They offer 8-week after school Girls Groups for girls in elementary and middle school that aim to equip girls with the skills and confidence to access a bright and economically-independent future. Their Eureka! program is a STEM-based approach to engaging and empowering 8th – 12th grade girls to see themselves as an important part of the workforce of the future. This five year program brings girls onto local collage and university campuses for an intensive STEM summer program.
We are always adding new STEM programs for youth and girls to our resources. Please email us if you have a program we could feature.