History

Launched in December 2005, as a private non-profit, Media, Arts and Technology Institute (MATI) has partnered with public and private educational institutions to provide in-school and after-school activities. In the first two years of operation, MATI provided services at Harriet Tubman Middle School in Computer Graphics and in Photography. MATI staff created a dark room for 35 mm development.

During the summers of 2007 and 2008, MATI has worked in partnership with The Moore Street Community Center to provide video production classes for Jefferson and Roosevelt students who were behind in academic credits needed to graduate.

In the Spring of 2008, MATI began offering programming in at Open Meadow Middle School (OMMS). MATI has provided newspaper, digital photography, 3-D animation, and media literacy classes at OMMS and will be continuing with a media literacy class during the 2010-11 school year. In addition to the classes at OMMS, MATI will be expanding its services to Humboldt Elementary School by offering a journalism class that will create a school newspaper.

Senior and college age volunteers have helped out in the classroom encouraging positive activity, by sharing their own stories, teaching computer skills and encouraging focus and helping kids stay on task. Since 2005, partners include Portland Public Schools, SUN schools, PCC Gear UP, Salvation Army, Meyer Memorial Trust, James F. & Marion L. Miller, Harvest and Hoover Family Foundations, Albina Rotary, New Seasons Market and the Regional Arts and Culture Counil.