April 24, 2025, Portland, OR – 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.
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.
ABOUT LEARN FRESH
Learn Fresh is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing innovative STEM learning experiences that empower educators and inspire students. Through community, play, and rigorous exploration, Learn Fresh programs leverage students’ passion for sports and entertainment to inspire their STEM learning. Learn Fresh focuses on providing access to STEM opportunities regardless of students’ background. To date, our programming has engaged 1 million students across the US and beyond. Programs include NBA Math Hoops, MLB Players STEM League, MLS STEM Goals, and the EcoTour. More information can be found at www.learnfresh.org
ABOUT FIRST TECH FEDERAL CREDIT UNION
First Tech Federal Credit Union is a nearly $17 billion institution headquartered in San Jose, California. The nation’s premier credit union serves the world’s leading technology-oriented companies and their employees, including HP Inc., Hewlett Packard Enterprise, Microsoft, Agilent, Intel, Cisco, Amazon, Nike, Intuit, Google, and more. First Tech is recognized as the industry catalyst for delivering effortless banking experiences to more than 700,000 members through its 31 branch locations, more than 5,600 CO-OP Shared Branch locations, 30,000 CO-OP Network ATMs, and online platforms. First Tech offers a full range of financial services, including traditional banking, online banking, mortgages, financial planning, various consumer loans, and insurance services. Federally insured by NCUA. Equal Housing Lender. For more information, visit www.firsttechfed.com.
ABOUT THE PORTLAND TRAIL BLAZERS
Members of the National Basketball Association (NBA), the Portland Trail Blazers were founded in 1970 and purchased by the late Paul G. Allen in 1988. The team's rich heritage includes 37 playoff appearances, three trips to the NBA Finals, an NBA championship in 1977 and a commitment to community service and sustainability. The Trail Blazers are dedicated to positively impacting underserved kids and their families throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington where they live, learn and play. Portland is the first and only professional sports franchise to receive the prestigious National Points of Light Award for excellence in corporate and community service. The Trail Blazers home arena, Moda Center, is the first existing arena to earn LEED Platinum Certification in 2019 after receiving LEED Gold Recertification in 2015 and becoming the first existing professional sports venue in the world to receive LEED Gold status in 2010. The team is also one of the founding members of the Green Sports Alliance. For more information, visit trailblazers.com.
ABOUT PORTLAND TIMBERS
The Portland Timbers are an American men’s professional soccer club based in Portland, Ore., that plays their home matches at the iconic Providence Park. Founded in 1975, the Timbers have been a beloved part of the Portland sports landscape since their early beginnings in the North American Soccer League, launching the era of “Soccer City USA” in the Rose City. The club joined Major League Soccer (MLS) – the top division of men’s professional soccer in the United States – in 2011, winning its first league championship in 2015.
ABOUT PORTLAND THORNS FC
Founded in 2012, Portland Thorns FC have set the standard for fan support and on-field success in women’s soccer since its inaugural 2013 season. One of the world’s most supported women’s soccer clubs, Portland has led the league in attendance for eight seasons and set a new club playoff attendance record with 25,218 fans supporting Thorns FC in the 2023 semifinal match at Providence Park. Thorns FC have won the NWSL Championship a league-record three times (2013, 2017, 2022) and finished as runners-up in 2018. The club has made the postseason a league-high nine times and has won the NWSL Shield in 2016 and 2021.