Launched in December 2005 as a private non-profit, Media, Arts and Technology Institute (MATI) partners with public and private agencies to combine in-school and after-school activities. Since its inception, MATI has specialized in schools with high populations of under-served children; many from low income, single parent families. MATI selects students that are challenged by both social and academic needs and provides the best media literacy experiences possible.
In the first two years of operation, MATI provided services to schools in the Portland School District. Classes at Harriet Tubman Middle School were in Computer Graphics (including Power Point) and in Photography. MATI staff created a dark room for 35 mm development. In the Spring of 2008, MATI created a program in N. Portland at Open Meadow Middle School (OMMS). This was the result of almost a year of planning between MATI and OMMS staff and students. The first MATI class at OMMS was a class focusing on creating a school newspaper. During the 2008-09 School year, MATI has operated two classes. A continuation of the newspaper class and a special class in 3-D animation techniques.

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.

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 Council.