Best Buy : Adds 4 Teen Tech Centers in Minnesota

Katlyn PetersonStaff Writer

Best Buy is growing its network of after-school tech programs for teens by adding four new locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota.

That makes for 15 Best Buy Teen Tech Centers across the United States. The free centers are open year-round and give underserved teens hands-on access to the latest technology.

The new Minnesota Teen Tech Centers are located at:

• Brian Coyle Center (Minneapolis)
• Hope Community (Minneapolis)
• Keystone Community Services (St. Paul)
• YMCA (Downtown St. Paul)

They join the existing Teen Tech Center at the Minneapolis Central Library, which has been operating since January 2013.

'The goal of these locations is to help teens spark a passion for exploring education and a career in tech,' said William Woodworth, program manager for Best Buy's Teen Tech Centers. 'It also allows them to collaborate with others while learning critical skills thanks to mentors and our community partners.'

Places for hands-on tech exploration

Best Buy Teen Tech Centers first launched in 2012. They're places where teens can develop critical skills through activities that explore programming, filmmaking, music production and design. Each location works to bridge the digital divide by giving students access to tech education and building the confidence they will need to be successful in school and in their future careers.

Each year, thousands of teens spend time at Teen Tech Centers across the United States.

The four new Teen Tech Center locations will operate the same as the other 11 Teen Tech Centers by partnering with The Clubhouse Network. The centers will be funded by Best Buy's Twin Cities Fund, which helps provide opportunities for teens through technology, and arts and culture organizations in the metro area.

Visit our website to learn more about Best Buy Teen Tech Centers and otherCommunity Relations programs or follow us on Twitter@BestBuyCSR.