Gear Forward
A 501c3 not-for-profit company founded in the Portland/Bethany area, with the goal of educating the youth in STEM.
About Us
We are a nonprofit organization committed to advancing STEM education and inspiring communities through science and technology.
Goals
We aim to bring STEM opportunities to underrepresented communities and empower young children with a vision for their future in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Branches
Our organization has grown to include several branches in high schools across Oregon, allowing us to reach and inspire more students statewide.
Donate to us
As a nonprofit organization, we rely on donations to support our mission. Your contributions go directly toward advancing STEM education in underrepresented communities. Every dollar you donate will be used 100% to support our cause.Our finances are 100% transparent, meaning that you can check what your money is being used for!
About us
We are a group of six enthusiastic individuals brought together by a profound interest in STEM and robotics. With diverse backgrounds in engineering, programming, and practical robotics experience, we established this club with a straightforward yet impactful objective: to make STEM accessible, engaging, and inspiring for students—particularly those from underrepresented communities.We hold the belief that every child should have the chance to delve into science, technology, engineering, and math, irrespective of their background or available resources. Through interactive workshops, robotics demonstrations, mentoring initiatives, and community outreach, we strive to ignite curiosity and confidence in the upcoming generation of innovators.Our team is committed to fostering inclusive learning environments where students can develop skills, pose questions, and uncover new opportunities in STEM. We are not merely imparting technological knowledge—we are cultivating a community that promotes creativity, collaboration, and lifelong learning.
Goals
At the core of our organization lies a mission to ensure that STEM education is accessible, inclusive, and empowering for all individuals—particularly those who have historically been marginalized or overlooked in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.Our main objective is to engage students and communities that have had minimal to no exposure to STEM. Whether this is due to financial constraints, insufficient access to quality education, or geographic isolation, numerous bright and inquisitive individuals are never afforded the chance to realize their potential in these disciplines. We strive to alter this situation by developing programs and environments where every student feels welcomed, motivated, and capable of achieving success in STEM.We are actively pursuing the expansion of our reach by establishing new branches in high schools throughout Oregon and beyond. By creating a network of student-led teams grounded in local communities, we can gain a better understanding of the specific needs of each area and customize our initiatives to maximize our impact.In addition to our outreach and educational efforts, we are dedicated to offering free resources—such as STEM kits, mentorship, and interactive workshops—to students and schools that require assistance. We firmly believe that financial constraints should never hinder the learning process. This is why we provide all our programs and materials at no cost to participants, made feasible through the generosity of donors, volunteers, and partners who align with our vision.Ultimately, our aim extends beyond merely imparting STEM skills; we seek to unlock opportunities. We aspire to assist young individuals in envisioning futures they never thought possible, connecting them with opportunities, and equipping them with the tools necessary to pursue their aspirations. By investing in underserved communities today, we hope to inspire the diverse leaders, thinkers, and innovators of the future.
Branches
Since our founding, we’ve expanded to include multiple branches across high schools throughout Oregon. Each branch is led by dedicated student leaders who share our mission: to empower the next generation of innovators through hands-on learning, mentorship
Current Locations
Westview High School
Sunset High School
International School Of Beaverton
In Progress Locations
Lincoln High School
Beaverton Academy of Science and Engineering
Current Events
Gear Up FTC Team Recruitment
Are you a motivated student with a passion for robotics, engineering, or coding? Join FTC Team Gear Up and take part in an exciting, hands-on experience where you'll collaborate, innovate, and compete at a high level.
Deadline: 8/1/25
Kids Robotics Summer Camp (Full)
Want to learn how robots are built and programmed? Join the FREE 4-session summer camp for ages 10–15 where you'll dive into coding, CAD, and fun hands-on STEM projects. Scan the QR code to apply, or fill out this form:
Previous Events
Intel States Volunteering
We volunteered at the FTC State Championship hosted by Intel, providing event support and assisting in various roles such as pit running and judging.8+ Volunteering Hours