2025 marks the 25th anniversary of Beaverton Education Foundation (BEF) becoming a First Tech nonprofit partner. Since 2000, First Tech’s commitment to BEF has extended into many of BEF’s cornerstone initiatives to impact students in every BSD school and lay the groundwork for future scientists, technologists, engineers and mathematicians. From afterschool middle school homework clubs to targeted interventions and support for underserved students, together First Tech and BEF have made a real difference for Beaverton students.
First Tech employees roll up their sleeves and volunteer their time and energy to BEF’s mission, and many employees have served on BEF’s board of directors. First Tech is more than just a supporter; they are a steady and trusted partner, woven into the very fabric of BEF’s history.
First Tech has funded over $800,000 in investments, including
- Mike Osborne Memorial Award Fund: In recognition of the importance and need for academic excellence and opportunity for all students, First Tech established the Mike Osborne Memorial Award Fund to provide financial assistance for literacy-based classroom awards in honor of Mike Osborne, executive vice president and CFO at First Tech Credit Union who was serving as Chair of the Beaverton School Board when he passed in 2006. As an endowed fund at BEF, Mike’s legacy has been helping Beaverton students through annual classroom literacy projects since 2007.
- BEF’s Building STEAM 4 All: Educators design classroom-based projects, field trips, and before/after school opportunities for students to directly engage in STEAM activities.
- Future Bus: One of the earliest opportunities that brought hands-on learning to Beaverton classrooms, the Future Bus traveled to an average of 50 schools in the district, bringing STEM-based lessons directly to students.
- Innovation Lending Library: Funds maintenance and upgrades to a lending library that cost-effectively and equitably gets the latest tech tools into the hands of technology instructors at each elementary and middle school.