The Best Buy Foundation aims to support young people by providing access to technology and hands-on learning experiences that prepare them for future success. This initiative, through the Best Buy Teen Tech Center® program, empowers teens to explore technology, develop critical skills, and gain confidence for their academic and career journeys. Since its inception in 2012, the Foundation has opened over 50 Teen Tech Centers and seeks to expand to 100 locations across the U.S. and Canada by 2025. These centers offer teens opportunities to engage in project-based learning and mentorship, bridging the digital divide and fostering essential skills for success.

Best Buy Teen Tech Centers are designed to be interactive learning spaces where teens can explore various technological fields. Teens can engage in activities such as creating art, producing music, developing apps, building robotic constructions, and even starting their own businesses. The centers are built with input from The Clubhouse Network (TCN), a globally recognized organization known for its success in providing youth, especially from marginalized communities, access to technology and mentorship. The Best Buy Foundation provides ongoing support to ensure that these centers are successful and sustainable.

To become a Teen Tech Center, local non-profit organizations are invited to apply. These organizations must meet several eligibility criteria, including having an existing afterschool program for teens, a dedicated space that is at least 1,300 square feet, and a commitment to engaging youth from disinvested communities. The space must be ADA compliant and located within 15 miles of a Best Buy store to allow for employee volunteer participation. Successful applicants will receive a combination of cash and in-kind support to establish and maintain the center for at least three years.

Funding includes a $40,000 technology grant for hardware, software, and accessories, a $30,000 furniture grant to create a teen-friendly space, and a $50,000 construction grant for establishing the center. Additionally, a minimum of $65,000 will be allocated for staffing. This funding will be used to cover operational and staffing costs, including professional development for staff. In-kind support includes technical assistance from Best Buy and The Clubhouse Network, as well as access to a social network for sharing resources and ideas.

The application process requires submitting a detailed proposal through the CyberGrants portal. Proposals should address the organization’s mission, the engagement of teens, and the operational and financial sustainability of the Teen Tech Center. The Best Buy Foundation evaluates proposals based on their alignment with the Teen Tech Center model, their ability to engage underserved communities, and their plans for sustaining the program beyond the first year of funding. A review process will determine which organizations receive funding, and site visits may be conducted as part of the selection process.