🟣 🟣 🟣 Who We Are
Welcome to Day One Tech STE(A)M (DOT), a Portland-based organization dedicated to empowering youth and families through culturally responsive programs. We collaborate with communities to create spaces of growth and inspiration, blending modern technology with the timeless STEM knowledge of our ancestors.
Our mission is to elevate and equip people for the future, offering STEM education and entertainment services tailored to the unique needs of Black, Brown, Indigenous, Immigrant, and Refugee communities. At DOT, we honor the past while building a brighter tomorrow by using STEM as a tool to create safe spaces where youth can develop critical thinking and decision-making skills essential for success in life.
What sets us apart is our leadership and team of educators of color who bring lived experience and deep cultural understanding to every program we design. Grounded in shared histories and personal resilience, our team reflects the communities we serve, ensuring our work is both relevant and transformative and grounded in shared histories and personal resilience, our team reflects the communities we serve, ensuring our work is both relevant and transformative, decision-making skills essential for success in life.
🟣 🟣 🟣 How We Began
DOT was founded in late 2019 to address the need for a STEM pedagogy rooted in Trauma-Informed Care, Self-Efficacy, and Cultural Responsiveness. Our journey began with an innovative program combining Robotics, Hip-Hop beat-making, and Acrylic Art—a creative blend that set the tone for our mission.
This inaugural program was personally funded by our founder, Benjamin Lostheart, and facilitated on a Saturday by Benjamin alongside Malik, a close friend and one of DOT's earliest supporters. The first class welcomed ten children from the Rockwood neighborhood, each bringing unique perspectives shaped by their experiences with traditional in-school and after-school education.
Built on a foundation of love and respect for our shared identities and histories, the program was a resounding success. From that very first session, we knew we were creating something extraordinary!
🟣 🟣 🟣 Our Growth and Impact
By the end of the 2023 school year, DOT had successfully operated programs in 12 schools across East Multnomah County, Portland, and Central Portland, as well as in five apartment complexes. Each day, we proudly served between 100 and 200 young people, offering diverse programs that reflect our commitment to innovation and cultural empowerment.
From cooking classes and Hip-Hop dance workshops to hair services and mentorship programs, as well as gaming, digital art, and STEM education, our programs provided safe spaces for youth to learn, grow, and build critical life skills.
While primarily working with elementary schools, we began expanding our focus on teen programs, setting the stage for significant growth in 2024 and 2025. DOT continues to be built, led, and powered by members of our collective Black, Brown, Indigenous, Immigrant, and Refugee communities—reflecting the strength and diversity of those we serve.
🟣 🟣 🟣 Where We’re Headed
In 2024, DOT is proud to partner with schools across five districts and affordable and transitional housing communities. We are collaborating with community-based organizations to create innovative, non-traditional approaches that meaningfully connect with youth and their communities.
This year, we’ve expanded our reach with new programs tailored for teens and are actively developing workforce initiatives for teens and young adults and programs to support young parents. Our growing maker space on 170th and Division Street has become a hub for creativity, learning, and innovation, and we’re excited to extend our impact into Washington in 2025.
At DOT, we believe STEM/STEAM is a powerful tool deeply rooted in the ingenuity of our collective ancestors who used it to build civilizations since time immemorial. We strive to rediscover and reignite that power within ourselves and the communities we serve.
If you're ready to experience our unique brilliance, reach out—we’d love to partner with you!
https://www.facebook.com/DayOneTechSTEAM
We are busy loading our 2024/2025 curriculum and plan. Many exciting things are coming! For now, please check out our Facebook page for updates!