As a means to prepare underserved teens for the tech-reliant jobs of the future, the Best Buy Foundation is seeking local and regional nonprofit partners offering out-of-school time programs that create hands-on access to technology education and tools that teens will need to be successful in their future schooling and careers. Programs should include hands-on learning opportunities and engage the youth in experimenting, and interacting with the latest technologies to build 21st century skills.

Best Buy seeks to provide underserved teens with access to innovative technologies and help them become interested and fluent in digital learning while developing skills to help better prepare them for future education and career success.

The Best Buy Foundation is searching for local organizations with a demonstrated track record for building skill proficiency in technology through out-of-school time programs.

Programs should help teens build tech skills by utilizing cutting-edge technology such as computers, digital cameras, video cameras and professional software in a wide range of areas including (but not limited to):

• Audio production (including music mixing & recording)
• Coding or programming
• Computer maintenance and repair
• Digital photography &graphic design
• Filmmaking & videography
• Maker Faires/hack-a-thons
• Mobile & game app development
• Virtual Reality
• Robotics
• Web site design
• 3D Printing

The primary responsibilities of the nonprofit organization include:

• Providing staff and curriculum for the out-of-school time programming. May include volunteer instructors. Must not rely on program development or staffing provided by Best Buy employees or associated companies.
• Where the opportunity exists, working with schools and other community-based organizations to build awareness of the program to drive teen participation.
• Demonstrating engagement of youth from underserved communities.
• Developing financial and community support to help sustain the program beyond the grant funding from Best Buy Foundation. Best Buy Foundation will not fund a program as the only supporter, additional funders or support are required.
• Submitting a report on program components such as participant demographics, program activities, desired outcomes, challenges, successes, and participant survey results.
• When possible, enabling participation of Best Buy employees to serve as volunteers.

Community Grants are designed to support local efforts and are reviewed for consideration by Best Buy teams across the United States. The average grant amount is $5,000 and will not exceed $10,000.