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. Day One Tech (DOT) aims to elevate and equip people for the future by offering STEM education and entertainment tailored to the unique needs of Black, Brown, Indigenous, Immigrant, and Refugee communities. We prioritize serving youth from high-need and under-resourced communities, especially those impacted by poverty and neurodiverse learning environments.

We use STEM—and the structured thinking found in science, technology, engineering, and design—as a foundation to introduce sequential thinking and build critical decision-making skills. Our programs are grounded in culturally responsive connections that foster trust and psychological safety. We believe that once youth feel safe, they can open up to new ideas and imagine new possibilities.

Our leadership sets us apart: we are a team of educators of color with deep cultural roots and lived experience. We don’t just teach STEM—we use it as a tool for healing, reflection, and transformation. Our programs honor the past while building a brighter, more inclusive future, creating spaces where innovation is not only possible but personal.

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.

The program was a resounding success, built on a foundation of love and respect for our shared identities and histories. From that very first session, we knew we were creating something extraordinary!

By the end of the 2024 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. We proudly serve between 100 and 200 young people each day, 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, 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  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.

In 2025, 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, as well as 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 2026. 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, contact us—we'd love to partner with you!