Our Mission
At Portland Innovation Lab, we are dedicated to providing a fun and educational environment for kids to explore robotics, engineering design, and programming. Our programs aim to inspire creativity and innovation in a hands-on learning setting.
About John Sperry
For the past 20 years, John Sperry has been an engineering and computer science teacher and award-winning robotics coach. He has mentored robotics teams in the VEX, BEST, FLL, FTC and FRC programs, each competing at the championship level. He has supported the development of the robotics community, starting dozens of new teams, hosting over 30 summer camps, hosting over 50 robotics competitions and raising several million dollars to support robotics and engineering education programs. In 2017, he was awarded the Woody Flowers Award, recognizing distinguished FIRST Robotics mentors.
He founded the Austin ISD Applied Technologies Center, a facility that provides 4-year pathways in Computer Science, Robotics, Manufacturing, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering to over 500 students. John is passionate about creating impactful programs that provide students quality education, competitive resources and engaging projects that inspire, like FIRST Robotics, a sport of the mind, where every student can go pro.
Portland Innovation Lab at Reed College
The Portland Innovation Lab camps are located in the stunning, new Performing Arts Building at Reed College. In addition to skill-building and friendships, each camp offers students the valuable opportunity of exploring the ample green spaces at the prestigious Reed campus. The entire experience gives students an exciting glimpse into their own bright futures.
Robotics Camps
Course Description:
Get ready for the ultimate robotics face-off! At the VEX Robotics Camp, you'll dive into the world of engineering and innovation as you design, build, and compete with your very own robot. Start from the ground up—equipped with goggles and grit—as you transform your ideas into a fully functional bot, following real competition standards. You'll brainstorm, prototype, and fine-tune every detail until your creation is competition-ready. Then, take it to the arena and compete in thrilling challenges that lead up to a full-scale VEX-style tournament. Do you have what it takes to dominate the competition and claim victory? Let the games begin!
Prerequisite:
Ability to work in a team.
In this course, you will:
- Build a custom robot with VEX V5 hardware
- Learn how the pros build VEX robotics champions
- Explore mechanical engineering principles
- Compete in a VEX Competition-style tournament
Engineering Camps
Course Description:
Gear up for the ultimate engineering adventure! At the Engineering Camp, you'll step into the world of design, problem-solving, and hands-on innovation as you engineer your own high-performance creation. From the first sketch to the final build, you'll tackle real-world engineering challenges—learning how to think critically, collaborate, and adapt your ideas into a fully functioning machine. Using industry-inspired standards, you’ll prototype, test, and refine your design until it’s optimized for performance. Then, put your engineering skills to the test in a series of dynamic challenges, like bridge design, creating electronic devices, and 3D printing. Ready to design, build, and rise to the top? Let the challenge begin!
Prerequisite:
Ability to work in a team.
In this course, you will:
- Learn computer-aided design
- Learn how to 3D print designed objects
- Learn structural engineering concepts bridge design challenge
- Learn electronics and programming with Arduino microcontrollers
What our parents say about us
"My son absolutely loved the robotics and engineering camp! He came home every day excited to show us what he built, and his confidence in problem-solving has skyrocketed!"
"The camp was the perfect mix of learning and fun! My son developed teamwork skills, creativity, and a real love for engineering."
"I was amazed at how much my child learned in just a few weeks! The hands-on projects kept him engaged, and he’s already asking to sign up for next year!"
"My child thrived in this program! He learned to think critically, solve problems, and build amazing robots—all while having a blast!"
"The instructors were fantastic—so patient and encouraging! My daughter gained valuable STEM skills while making great friends along the way."
What our parents say about us
"My son absolutely loved the robotics and engineering camp! He came home every day excited to show us what he built, and his confidence in problem-solving has skyrocketed!"
"The camp was the perfect mix of learning and fun! My son developed teamwork skills, creativity, and a real love for engineering."
"I was amazed at how much my child learned in just a few weeks! The hands-on projects kept him engaged, and he’s already asking to sign up for next year!"
"My child thrived in this program! He learned to think critically, solve problems, and build amazing robots—all while having a blast!"
"The instructors were fantastic—so patient and encouraging! My daughter gained valuable STEM skills while making great friends along the way."