Day One Tech - BEE-Fi

2025-2027 In need of Funding

BEE-FI PROJECT: Building Engagement & Equity through Free Internet
A Resilience-Based Model for Youth Recreation and Violence Reduction

The BEE-FI Project is an innovative community initiative by Day One Tech S.T.E.A.M. designed to transform public spaces in East Portland and Gresham into connected, empowering environments for youth and families. By combining free Wi-Fi access with engaging pop-up recreation, mentorship, and resource hubs, BEE-FI reduces barriers to access and strengthens the social fabric in underserved communities.

DOTS
BEE-FI deploys mobile “PODS” (Pop-Up Outreach & Development Stations) in apartment complexes, parks, and community centers where youth are most vulnerable to isolation, disconnection, and violence. Each POD provides:

• Free Wi-Fi for youth and families
   
• STEM and arts-based recreation
   
• Mentorship and outreach from trained youth workers
   
• Access to community services via partnerships with local organizations
   
• Trauma-informed programming that fosters connection and safety
   

THE RESILIENCE MODEL
BEE-FI is more than a tech project — it’s a resilience framework. By meeting families where they are and weaving together recreation, technology, and resource access, we create a honeycomb of connection across East County. This model is trauma-informed, culturally grounded, and youth-centered — activating public space for healing, learning, and empowerment.

THIS MATTERS
In areas disproportionately impacted by poverty, violence, and systemic disinvestment, BEE-FI is a bold intervention. We aim to:

• Interrupt cycles of violence through consistent engagement
   
• Provide safe, enriching alternatives to street life
   
• Connect youth to mentors, jobs, and digital opportunities
   
• Build community trust through visibility and care
   

CALL TO ACTION
We are currently seeking funding and partnerships to scale BEE-FI across more sites. Your support will provide the critical infrastructure needed to create safe, connected spaces that reduce violence and support youth development.

2024 - June 2025

Youth Empowerment for Future Careers (YEFC) Program by DAY ONE TECH

DAY ONE TECH proudly introduces the Building Options for Self-Sufficiency (BOSS) program, a pioneering initiative to provide comprehensive career training and support for teens from traditionally disempowered communities. This one-of-a-kind program is tailored for individuals exiting high school, receiving their GED, or those choosing non-traditional educational paths. It offers them a unique opportunity to gain valuable skills, find employment, and embark on a fulfilling career.

DOTS

• Holistic Career Training: BOSS is designed to address the needs of teens and young adults who may not be ready or have college access. The program offers holistic career training, focusing on building technical and soft skills essential for success in the professional world.

• Resume Building and Soft Skills Development: Participants in the YEFC program receive personalized guidance to create impactful resumes that highlight their strengths and potential. Soft skills development is a core component, empowering teens with effective communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and time management skills.

• Employer Engagement: DAY ONE TECH collaborates with current employers of program participants, establishing a solid connection between the program and the workplace. This engagement ensures that teens receive on-the-job support and their employers are informed about the program's goals, enhancing the overall success of the participants.

• Management Training Program: Recognizing the potential for career advancement, YEFC develops a unique management training program in collaboration with small business owners and franchise owners. This program provides participants a tangible pathway into management roles, focusing on leadership skills and self-management abilities.

• Capstone Projects and Job Fairs: BOSS participants engage in capstone projects, working collaboratively on initiatives that enhance their practical skills and contribute to their communities. One notable project involves organizing job fairs in partnership with local franchise owners and small businesses, creating opportunities for networking and employment within the community.

• Community Partnerships: DAY ONE TECH actively seeks partnerships with community organizations, local businesses, and franchise owners to expand the reach and impact of the YEFC program. The program aims to create a supportive ecosystem that empowers teens to thrive in their careers by fostering relationships with stakeholders.

BOSS is more than a program; it's a transformative experience that equips teens with the tools and confidence to navigate the professional world. DAY ONE TECH is committed to breaking down barriers and providing opportunities for success, ensuring that every participant in the BOSS program can embark on their career journey with confidence and resilience. Together, we build a future where every teen has the chance to achieve their full potential.

TBA - Project on hold - in need of funding

Building Resilience Through Interactive Emergency Preparedness - BeReady

BeReady, a groundbreaking initiative by Day One Tech, is a dynamic youth program that transforms emergency preparedness education into an engaging and interactive experience. Designed to empower the leaders of tomorrow with essential life skills, the program educates and fosters collaboration and connectivity between neighboring communities and counties.

DOTS

• Role-Playing and Interactive Learning: BeReady leverages the power of role-playing and interactive activities to teach young participants the fundamentals of emergency preparedness. Through realistic scenarios, participants develop critical decision-making skills, learn to stay calm under pressure and understand the importance of teamwork during crises.

• Community Connectivity: The program acts as a bridge, connecting neighboring communities and counties through both virtual and in-person communication channels. BeReady aims to create a support network that transcends geographical boundaries by fostering relationships between youth from different areas, ensuring a more resilient and interconnected society.

• Virtual Collaborative Initiatives: BeReady utilizes virtual platforms to facilitate communication and collaboration between participating communities. Through online forums, webinars, and virtual meet-ups, youth from various regions share insights, exchange ideas, and collectively enhance their understanding of emergency preparedness.

• UNPLUGGED Fairs: Taking learning beyond the classroom, BeReady organizes UNPLUGGED fairs to demonstrate practical skills and solutions for emergencies, mainly when the grid or electricity is down. These fairs are interactive showcases featuring hands-on activities, workshops, and demonstrations that empower communities with the knowledge and skills needed during power outages or other disruptions.

• Community Resilience Workshops: BeReady conducts workshops tailored for local communities to enhance their overall resilience. These workshops cover various topics, including first aid, communication strategies during emergencies, resource management, and community-wide action planning.

• Youth-led Initiatives: The program encourages youth to take leadership roles in their communities. Participants are empowered to organize and lead initiatives, fostering a sense of responsibility and commitment to building a safer and more prepared environment for all.

BeReady is not just a program; it's a movement aimed at shaping the next generation of resilient and proactive leaders. By instilling a sense of preparedness, fostering community connections, and providing practical skills, EmpowerYouth ensures that our communities are surviving and thriving in the face of adversity. Together, we build a future where the youth are the driving force behind resilient and united communities.

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