Can a computer change a student's life?

At many schools, computers are an important tool in the classroom, giving students access for researching assignments and doing homework. But at Rosemary Anderson High School (RAHS), an alternative school in Portland, nearly 190 students must share the school's computer lab, which has only 20 working computers.

The Lake Monsters are sponsoring a computer drive now through Jan. 16 to collect used laptops, notepads and tablets.

The robotics team will refurbish the computers and donate them to at-risk students at RAHS, which has two campuses in north and east Portland. RAHS is the "last chance" to complete a high school education for students who have dropped out of school, been expelled or are homeless.

“There are a significant number of students who are interested in technology, but our biggest challenge is giving them the opportunity to get exposed,” said Joe McFerrin II, president and CEO of Portland Opportunities Industrial Center, which runs the alternative school. “As we teach them how to take care of and use the technology, it will open up the world for many of our students.”

The computer drive also gives robotics students a chance to learn more about refurbishing used computers. The team will erase the hard drive on each donated computer, and install a new operating system and software.

“Our team learns a lot about engineering by building robots for competitions, but the computer drive program is a way for robotics students to directly help other students through technology,” said Owen Griffiths, a physics teacher at Lake Oswego High School and coach of the robotics team. “Access to computers allows students to develop skills that will greatly enable their future success.”

Donations can be dropped off at the Lakeridge High School main office during open hours now through Jan. 16. For special drop-off arrangements, email lakemonsters2635@gmail.com or call 503-756-5425.

Check out our FLL sister team in the news!

Lake Oswego is blessed with some wonderful robotics programs, including these two awesome FLL teams! This past week, the groups were featured on "Kids Doing Good Stuff." These two all-girls FLL teams are really bringing robotics to the schools, and we are so lucky to be able to support them! For the full interview, you can find the full link on our blog page!

What's coming up this season?

October- December 2015
Weekly team meetings at Lakeridge High School. Sub-team meetings and/or other group sessions are scheduled as needed.

October 11, 2014
Girls Generation

December 20, 2014
Bunnybot

Janruary 3, 2015
FIRST FRC Kick-off!

February 26-28, 2015
PNW District Event at Oregon City High School

March 12-14, 2015
PNW District Event at Wilsonville High School

April 1-4, 2015
PNW District Championship at Eastern Washington University

April 22-25, 2015
FIRST Championship at Edward Jones Dome, St. Louis, MO