Peninsula Robotics Academy

Hands-on robotics fall classes for 6th–8th graders in Palo Alto and the Bay Area. Build, design, and code real robots in small groups. All guided by the students of FRC Team 6036.

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Developing the Next Generation of STEM Leaders.

A group of diverse young people sitting on the floor working together on assembling or repairing electronic or robotic devices, with wires and tools visible.

  • Small groups (4:1 ratio) for personalized support

  • Led by an award-winning competitive robotics team

  • Hands-on building, designing, or coding every class

  • Project-based, hands-on engineering experience

  • Progression for all skill levels

  • Fall Software Class

    Dates: Tuesdays, September 29 – November 17
    Time: 5:00PM – 7:00PM
    Grades: 6–8
    Location: 2685 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA

    This class is for students who are curious about code. No programming experience is needed. Over eight weeks, students will program multiple projects in two programming languages: Java and Python. In the first three weeks of the course, students will learn the programming language Java and write their own functional code. In the next three weeks, students will learn Python and learn how cameras are able to turn the world into numbers, how the numbers can be turned into names, and how computers use the names to make decisions. They will also implement this in code. In the final two weeks, students will create a final project combining everything they learned and present it. Students will write and run their own code every session. 

    Best for: Curious beginners • Students who liked AI & Vision Camp • Anyone who wants to code
    Focus: Java • Python • Sensors & autonomy • Computer vision • Model training
    Outcome: Program on a computer so that it reacts to what its camera sees


    Refund Policy:

    3+ weeks prior to start of class: 50%

    Within 3 weeks prior to start of class: no refund.

    Sign-Up

  • Fall Design Class

    Dates: Wednesdays, September 30 – November 18
    Time: 5:00PM – 7:00PM
    Grades: 6–8
    Location: 2685 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA

    This class is for students who want to design their own robot parts and hold the result in their hands. No CAD experience is needed to sign up for this course.
    Students begin by taking apart a real competition robot assembly and working out why each piece is shaped the way it is. From there they learn to model parts in Onshape, print them, test whether they actually fit, and revise. Later sessions introduce assemblies, designing to a set of real constraints, and improving a design based on how it performed.
    Parts go home with students throughout the course. The final session runs as a real engineering design review, where each student presents their first and final versions and explains what changed.

    Best for: Students who like drawing or making • Detail-oriented builders • Future CAD leads
    Focus: Onshape CAD • 3D printing • Tolerance & fit • Design iteration
    Outcome: A portfolio of printed parts that fit a real robot

    Refund Policy:

    3+ weeks prior to start of class: 50%.

    Within 3 weeks prior to start of class: no refund.

    Sign-Up

  • Fall Build Class

    Dates: Thursdays, October 1 – November 19
    Time: 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
    Grades: 6–8
    Location: 2685 Middlefield Rd, Palo Alto, CA

    This class is for students who want to explore a new engineering concept and build their own working machine based on their knowledge. It involves hands-on activity and engineering enthusiasm.
    Work independently or work in small groups are up to the students' choice so we can ensure the class is a good fit for both beginners and students with more experience. During the course,  topics including gears, linkages, structures, mechanisms will be discussed.
    By the end of the class, students will have built 8 working machines and developed a stronger foundation in mechanical engineering, design, and real world problem solving that they can carry into future robotics and engineering projects.

    Best for: Hands-on builders • Beginners and experienced students • Anyone who likes taking things apart
    Focus: Gears • Linkages • Structures • Mechanisms
    Outcome: Build 8 working machines and a real foundation in mechanical design

    Refund Policy:

    3+ Weeks Prior To Start of class - 50%

    Within 3 weeks Prior To Start of class - No Refund

    Sign-Up
A group of people in a classroom or workshop setting, with one person standing and speaking to seated students. Several students are engaged, some with laptops, and a person in the background holding a yellow ball.
Group of children and a young adult working on a robot or electronic project, gathered around it and discussing.
A group of students working on robotics projects in a workshop, assembling and inspecting robot parts with various tools and electronic components.

Bundle & Save For The Fall

The Fall Build-It-All Bundle


Save 15% or up to $360 when you enroll in all 3 classes
Use code: FALLBUILDITALL26

Perfect for students who want to complete the Fall Build Class, Fall Design Class, & Fall Software Class

Students who attend multiple classes will build stronger skills and get a deeper robotics experience. Bundles also help you save!

Spots are limited and sessions often sell out. Make sure to register early.

Hear from our 6036 Alumni about past classes.

  • Young man with black hair, wearing a black jacket, standing outdoors with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

    Raine Z.

    Former Team Captain

    UC Berkeley, Electrical Engineering & Computer Sciences

    “One of the coolest parts was watching students go from not knowing what a motor was on Monday to confidently explaining their robot by Friday. The confidence change is real.”

    – R. Z.

  • Young man with curly dark hair and a bright smile, wearing a white shirt and a gold chain, against a white background.

    Rohit S.

    Former Design Captain

    Northwestern University, Mechanical Engineering

    “We don’t lecture much, and most of the time students are building, testing, and figuring things out together. That’s when they actually start learning.”

    – R. S.

  • A young woman with black hair and a white T-shirt smiling in front of a wooden fence.

    Adeline K.

    Former Lab Manager

    Carnegie Mellon University, Architecture

    “Every year students surprise us with creative ideas we never planned for. The camp works best when they realize it’s okay to experiment and not get it perfect the first try."

    – A. K.

  • A young man with glasses smiling outdoors in a residential neighborhood with trees and houses in the background.

    Sidd S.

    Former Business Captain

    UC Berkeley, Business Administration & Neuroscience

    “Peninsula Robotics Academy provides a premier experience for students to gain critical leadership and technical skills that are necessary for the entrepreneurs of tomorrow”

    – S. S.

FAQ

What is the age requirement for Peninsula Robotics Academy’s Fall Classes?

Peninsula Robotics Academy’s Fall Classes is open for 6-8 graders.

Is there a strict admissions process?

There is no strict admissions process for the Peninsula Robotics Academy. However, sign-ups are first come first serve. You may be put on a waitlist if a class is too full.

Who leads/teaches in these programs?

Led by trained high school mentors and student leaders from Peninsula Robotics with years of competition and teaching experience.

Will I earn a certificate?

Yes! Every student who finishes the non-credit program will receive a Peninsula Robotics Certificate of Completion

What should campers bring?

Students will need to bring a water bottle and a computer. Software downloads and website permissions may also be required.