First Tech Federal Credit Union and Learn Fresh Announce First-of-its-kind Partnership to Bring Stem Programming to Portland Students with Support of Trail Blazers, Timbers, and Thorns Sports Teams

Mairi Burns

For the first time, First Tech Federal Credit Union (First Tech), a longstanding partner of the nonprofit, Learn Fresh, will serve as the corporate sponsor for their NBA Math Hoops and MLS STEM Goals programs in Portland in collaboration with three local professional sports teams--NBA’s Trail Blazers, MLS’ Timbers, and NWSL’s Thorns. The goal of the partnership is to provide a continuum of STEM learning offerings to students across the region connecting to their passions in sports, which will be offered free of charge to educators to implement.
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This initiative will feature locally tailored versions of the successful NBA Math Hoops program and newly piloted MLS STEM Goals program. Both function as a unique physical board game, combining the excitement of basketball and soccer, respectively, with the fundamentals of STEM learning— creating a highly engaging and interactive experience for students in fourth through eighth grade. These programs are designed to improve students' critical-thinking skills and overall academic confidence.

NBA Math Hoops educators will be provided with a comprehensive toolkit that includes a 10-lesson curriculum and classroom resources that integrate math concepts into the excitement of basketball. The dynamic and competitive board game allows students to build math skills while strategizing and playing against their peers. Students have the opportunity to engage with real-world NBA and WNBA statistics. The toolkit also includes digital resources, access to a user-friendly educator portal, as well as an engaging digital app. In addition, dedicated support and training are provided for educators.

At the heart of the MLS STEM Goals program is a soccer-themed board game that features authentic team and league branding from MLS, along with real team statistics and standards-aligned STEM content. Students complete a series of math, science, technology, and engineering questions to move up and down the field, ultimately using team data to attempt shots and win the game. All STEM Goals content was designed in alignment with Common Core Math Standards and Next Gen Science Standards.

Learn Fresh, the organization behind the NBA Math Hoops and MLS STEM Goals programs, specializes in delivering high-quality STEM education programs to in and out-of-school time learning spaces across the US and around the world. First Tech, is a long-time partner of Learn Fresh, having first sponsored the Trail Blazers Math Hoops program back in 2020. In the face of the Covid pandemic, First Tech overcame logistical challenges by creating virtual adaptations of the NBA Math Hoops tournaments, allowing students to still be able to benefit and enjoy the program’s offerings.

“We’re excited to continue our partnership with First Tech for the Trail Blazers Math Hoops program and launch of the Timbers x Thorns STEM Goals programs,” said Nick Monzi, CEO & co-founder of Learn Fresh. “First Tech played a pivotal role in bringing the three professional sports teams together for students in Portland to have access to STEM. We’re looking forward to our collective efforts in extending our reach and impact in this community!”

"At First Tech, we believe in the power of education and the potential of every student. Through the First Tech Beyond™ program, our partnership with Learn Fresh and Portland's professional sports teams is a testament to our commitment to inspiring the next generation of tech innovators,” said Mairi Burns, Vice President of Brand Marketing at First Tech. “By integrating STEM learning with the excitement of sports, we aim to ignite curiosity and foster a love for learning among youth. This initiative is an extension of First Tech’s ongoing efforts to support education and community engagement, creating opportunities for students to explore their interests and develop valuable skills for the future."

Educators across the Portland region are encouraged to register for an upcoming training to take advantage of this unique opportunity to engage their students in a fun and educational experience. Please refer to the following link: learnfresh.org/programs.

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