VEX V5 (Middle School Division)
Grades 6-8
For students in grades 6–8, the middle school program introduces students to robotics, engineering, programming, and teamwork through hands-on projects and competition.
Who We Are
Van Washington Robotics is a student-led nonprofit. We work to make robotics and hands-on STEM education accessible to students across the Vancouver and Portland metro area, regardless of background or financial situation. We partner with students, families, mentors, and community partners to create opportunities. Through teamwork, engineering, programming, and competition, students develop the skills and confidence to build their futures.
What Students Do
Students in our program learn by building, programming, testing, and competing with robots. Rather than relying only on traditional classroom instruction, we emphasize hands-on experience and collaboration.
Students develop skills in:
- Robotics engineering and design
- Coding and programming
- Teamwork and leadership
- Problem-solving and critical thinking
- Competition preparation and strategy
- Communication and collaboration
- Mentorship between high school and middle school students
Our goal is to help students become confident problem-solvers who can apply what they learn to real-world challenges.
Our Robotics Programs
We support student robotics teams that provide opportunities for both middle school and high school students.
VEX V5 (High School Division)
Grades 9-12
For high school students, the program builds on technical skills and encourages students to take on greater responsibilities in robot design, autonomous programming, strategy, and team leadership. Older students can also help mentor younger participants.
Our 2026–2027 Goals
We aim to support two robotics teams while building a welcoming program where students feel respected, supported, and encouraged to participate.
Why Robotics Matters
Access to STEM education can open doors to future opportunities in engineering, computer science, technology, and many other fields. However, the cost of equipment, team supplies, and competition participation can prevent students from getting involved.
Van Washington Robotics works to reduce these barriers and give local students more opportunities to explore their interests, gain practical experience, and discover what they can accomplish together.
By connecting students across grade levels, we also encourage mentorship, leadership, and a stronger community of young innovators.
For Students and Families
Interested in joining a robotics team? We welcome students who are curious about robotics, engineering, coding, or learning something new.
You do not need to be an experienced programmer or engineer to get started. Robotics is an opportunity to learn new skills, work with others, and turn ideas into something real.
Explore our teams or complete our registration form to express your interest in participating.
Building the Next Generation
Our vision is a community where students have the opportunity to explore STEM, develop their abilities, and become the engineers, programmers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow.
With the support of students, families, mentors, and community partners, Van Washington Robotics is working to make that vision a reality.
Together, we can build more than robots. We can build opportunities.