Day One Tech STEM

Day One Tech STE(A)M is an organization home-based out of Portland, Oregon that focuses on empowering youth and families in culturally responsive ways. We work closely with communities to create spaces of empowerment through modern technology while also drawing on classical knowledge in STEM from our ancestors. We aim to lift people into the future through STEM education and entertainment services, focusing on serving Black, Brown, Indigenous, Immigrant, and Refugee communities. 

DOT is an organization that was established in late 2019 to provide a much-needed STEM pedagogy that incorporates Trauma-Informed Care, Self-Efficacy, and Cultural Responsiveness. DOT's first program was a STEM class that combined Robotics, Hip-Hop beat-making, and Acrylic Art mediums. The program was initially funded out of pocket by the Founder, Benjamin Lostheart. The first class was held on a Saturday and was facilitated by Benjamin and one of DOT's first supporters and good friends, Malik. The first class had ten children from the Rockwood neighborhood who had various perspectives on traditional education in, in-school and after-school education. The curriculum was built on love and respect for who we all are and where we come from. The class ran for four hours, and the children did not want to leave at the end!