3D Printing STEAM Enrichment for portland kids

3rd to 8th graders design, engineer, and bring their ideas to life through 3D printing with PDX MiniMakers: where science, technology, engineering, arts, and math aren't separate subjects, they're just Tuesday afternoon

“I used to dread Mondays because it meant the start of a new school week, but now I’m excited for them because of 3D printing!”

~ Maxwell, Student (Age 11)
Did You Know?
3D printers can make prosthetic hands for kids at a fraction of hospital costs. Student groups worldwide design and print these devices, showing how engineering skills can directly help others in their community.

About Us

Hello Portland Community!

We’re PDX MiniMakers, a hands-on after-school enrichment program where Portland 3rd-8th grade students explore engineering, design, and problem-solving through 3D printing.

We believe every child should have access to creative, cutting-edge learning and tools that fuel their future.

Register now for Fall!

At our 3D printing workshops, students will:

Learn how 3D printers, software, and tools work

Design, engineer, and print their own 3D models

Build creativity, pride, and self-confidence skills

Take home what they create (all materials included!)

loved by parents and students alike

"My 4th grader loves this class! The teachers are patient and kind and have lots of fun activities. So happy we found it!"

— Rebecca H, Parent (Google Review)

"I used to dread Mondays because it meant the start of a new school week, but now I’m excited for them because of 3D printing!”

— Maxwell, Student (6th grader)

“It’s the only class I like!”

— Jed, Student (5th grader)

Our Programs

Fall Registration is now open, register soon as seats will be limited!

After School Program

Registration is open!

Tired of the bounce houses and want a more memorable birthday or special event? Book us for your own 3D Printing experience!

Birthdays & Events

Book Us

Meet Our Instructors

Matthew Thogerson

Matt is a maker, tinkerer, and creative problem-solver with a deep enthusiasm for hands-on learning.
He first got into 3D printing while designing a tabletop war game, and quickly discovered how powerful digital fabrication can be as a learning tool. Today, he uses 3D printing for everything from tabletop gaming and costuming to practical problem-solving around the house.
Matt has a strong passion for working with kids and helping them build confidence through creativity. He believes the best learning happens when curiosity leads and mistakes are treated as part of the process. At PDX MiniMakers, he enjoys helping students turn ideas into physical objects while learning how tools, technology, and imagination intersect.
He’s excited to be part of a community that encourages experimentation, critical thinking, and joyful making.

Marney andersen

Marney has over 20 years of corporate experience leading programs, leveraging technology, and mentoring teams. With a strong background in operations, project management, and technology implementation, she has experience in translating complex systems and processes into easy-to-understand language and ideas. Her experience onboarding clients to technology systems, training diverse groups, and creating clear, step-by-step learning materials translates into supporting students with digital tools, STEM activities, and structured enrichment programs. Marney excels at creating structured, engaging environments where young learners can thrive.
In addition to her professional background, Marney has been a Girl Scout Troop Leader for the better part of a decade. This opportunity has allowed her to lead hands-on education programs while also mentoring children in leadership, outdoor skills, STEM, and entrepreneurship. Her goal is to foster confidence, teamwork, and problem-solving skills in a supportive and inclusive environment.
With a career in tech and a passion for working with children, Marney brings a unique blend of structure, creativity, and technological fluency. She is committed to creating safe, engaging, and tech-forward experiences that inspire curiosity, encourage creativity, and help children build skills for the future.

Josh Dunne

Lifelong learner and tinkerer. Experienced mentor, educator, and creative problem solver.
Josh moved to Portland with his family in December 2019. His children have attended Abernethy, Hosford and Cleveland schools. Josh is also a volunteer for the Cleveland Weekend Warriors cleanup program. Prior to moving to Portland Josh was a Radiology PACS Administrator for UK Healthcare supporting highly complex diagnostic imaging applications and modalities. His background as a PACS Administrator was a perfect foundation for understanding 3D printing software and technologies. While in Kentucky Josh also enjoyed being an assistant coach with the elementary school cross country team.
Josh is a voracious learner and is constantly seeking out new technologies, modalities, mediums and workflows that he incorporates into a variety of hobbies. In his free time Josh loves to create custom DnD miniatures and is always working to improve his painting skills on them once complete. Josh also uses 3D printing technology to create a variety of different types of art, jewelry and other novelties that incorporate a range of mediums and workflows.

Josh is super excited about the opportunities that 3D printing provides young, inventive minds. He strives to provide a safe and collaborative environment that encourages fun and creative problem solving.

Margaret Klement

Margaret has been working in education since 2013.
Starting as an early childhood educator, she moved to Portland Public Schools in 2016. In 2019 Margaret earned her Master’s degree in Teaching and currently works as a substitute teacher for grades K-8. Margaret is also a working artist, with a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art. She paints murals, works in textiles, and does design work.
Margaret enjoys bringing artistic creativity to classrooms, encouraging students to enjoy the process; experiment, make mistakes, and think outside the box. She is passionate about project-based learning and STEAM activities, believing the blending of artistic and technical skills fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and creative problem-solving.

Weston Baker

Weston Baker is an engineer, fixer, and lifelong learner.
As a high school student, Weston volunteered for several weeks at a camp teaching sixth graders about nature and community. It was one of the more impactful experiences of his life and planted the seed for his continued interest in being an educator. He was first exposed to 3D printing while working towards his engineering degree and was impressed with the accessibility of this manufacturing process to the average person. He has created artistic projects, practical components for repairs, and professional prototypes for mechanical components using 3D printing technology.
Weston is inspired every class by the creativity that kids possess and their ability to quickly learn how to bring their ideas to life through new digital and physical tools. He looks forward to encouraging this learning process and witnessing the moments when each new concept clicks.
In addition to teaching, Weston enjoys reading at the library, watching behind-the-scenes documentaries, and going backpacking.

Hear From Our Makers

“This class is super fun and I hope the school keeps offering it next quarter. [It’s] like cotton candy because it is a beautiful shade of red and pink and green and it tastes fun and sugary...”
~ Audrey (4th Grader)
“I use design software (Tinkercad) more outside of this class, now. This class is pretty cool.”
~ Luc (7th Grader)
“You can do pretty much anything.”
~ Eitan (5th Grader)
“I made the best top ever. It has holes in it. ... I think it's pretty fun because I'm with my friends.”
~ Malcom (5th Grader)
“It’s the only class I like!”
~ Jed (5th Grader)
“My favorite things about this class is designing things, and I like how helpful the people are.”
~ Alden (5th Grader)
“I like my amulet because it represents my identity.”
~ Stella (4th Grader)
“I had fun making the amulet!”
~ 6th grader
“I feel like it's cool to make stuff. It's nice to know I did something.”
~ Ari S (6th Grader)
“The top was my favorite. I love printing fidgets because they're satisfying.”
~ 5th Grader

Host a 3D Printing Party, for birthdays & special occasions!