Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science

Invention Bootcamp

Invention Bootcamp has been on hiatus since 2022. We hope to be back soon as part of our FUTURES Initiative, so please check soon for updated information about future camps.

Anyone can become an inventor when given the right tools. We aim to give more students these tools early in their education. Invention Bootcamp is a free four-week, intensive educational experience for high school students from historically underserved and underrepresented populations that is led by PSU faculty, Dr. Gerald Recktenwald, and undergraduate engineering students.

Invention Bootcamp recognizes that students of color, women, low-income, and first-generation college students are historically underrepresented in STEM undergraduate programs.  Invention Bootcamp is committed to reversing this trend and strongly encourages high school students from the above historically underserved and underrepresented backgrounds in STEM to apply.  No prior experience is required in order to apply or participate.

You will learn basic skills to develop a prototype by completing class-wide projects and then apply those skills in creating your own invention! At the end of Invention Bootcamp, you will present your invention to the public in our grand finale.

Program Highlights

  • Create relationships with college students and program mentors
  • Training in engineering software, computer programming, microcontrollers, and electrical circuits
  • Training in common engineering tools
  • Design and fabricate own invention
  • Guest speakers

2022 Camp Details

  • The Invention Bootcamp team has been closely monitoring developments surrounding COVID-19 and recommended best practices surrounding the health and safety of camp participants
  • We are currently planning for an in-person camp in summer 2022, but may need to pivot to a hybrid or remote camp based on COVID developments
  • For those needing a daily transportation option to/from camp, free TriMet passes will be provided for the duration of camp

Important Dates

  • Applications for the 2022 camp are now open! Scroll down for the links to apply
  • Deadline to Apply: 11:59 PM on Sunday, March 6, 2022
  • If selected in round 1, students will undergo a short interview taking place in March - April
  • Notification of Acceptance: No later than May 7
  • The camp will run for 4 weeks from July 5 to July 29, 2022 (The camp will be closed on Monday, July 4th in observance of the holiday)
  • A camp week runs Monday-Friday, typically from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm (max)

Program Eligibility

  • No prior experience in STEM is necessary
  • Students must currently be enrolled in 9-12th grade to be eligible to apply
  • Must be an Oregon resident to be eligible to participate (For commuting purposes, please note the program is currently planned to take place at the PSU campus in Downtown Portland)
  • We encourage students of all backgrounds to apply

Application Details

Not Sure if Invention Bootcamp is right for you?

Find out what it's like! We asked 2019 Invention Bootcamp students what it was like going through the program. Check out the video to learn more about their experience!

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR

Since 2015, Invention Bootcamp at Portland State University has been funded with the generous support of The Lemelson Foundation, which uses the power of invention to improve lives by inspiring and enabling the next generation of inventors and invention-based enterprises to promote economic growth, as well as social and economic progress in the state of Oregon and beyond!