Through an exciting collaboration between the Best Buy Foundation® and Microsoft, a limited-edition Microsoft Surface Pro 13” Keyboard will feature artwork created by a Best Buy Teen Tech Center® member. These Surface Pro 13” Keyboards (also known as Type Covers) are sold exclusively through Best Buy Drops® starting Aug. 22, at 10 a.m. and are only available in limited quantities and exclusively through the Best Buy App.
As part of a national design program, Type Cover for a Cause, several Teen Tech Center members were challenged to come up with a Type Cover design inspired by their personal story and vision of a sustainable future.
“Partners like Microsoft are instrumental in providing opportunities that help young people learn skills they can use to chart their own path,” said Olivia Jefferson, vice president of social impact at Best Buy. “Together, we can make an even bigger impact by offering real-world experiences that equip young people with the tools to pursue their dreams now and in the future.”
On a mission to build brighter futures
This partnership with Microsoft is one more way The Best Buy Foundation is building brighter futures for young people by connecting them to mentorships with industry leaders, offering Best Buy Teen Tech Center members education workshops and career exploration opportunities.
As part of the collaboration, each teen was paired with a Microsoft employee mentor and took part in virtual workshops over the course of two months. Mentors worked closely with the participants to bring their unique concept to life for an opportunity and have their design sold at Best Buy.
“It really has been incredible bringing this program to life with our Best Buy Foundation partner. Having the opportunity to inspire youth to find the joy in possibility through tech while equipping them with the knowledge and skills to make it real has been such a gift,” said Augustus Willman, program manager, Microsoft Type Cover for a Cause. “We hope to continue to provide opportunities like this and help the next generation continue to build momentum towards a brighter and more empowered future for everyone.”
Through the workshops and meetings with their mentors, the program encouraged participants to explore a variety of skills in digital design by working on programs used by industry professionals to craft anything from logos to web graphics and so much more. Each participant also got to meet directly with Microsoft leaders for an opportunity to make important industry connections and learn about tech career paths.
Microsoft will donate a portion of each unit sold to the Best Buy Foundation to further support young people across the country.
Learn more about the program through this link and order your exclusive Surface Type Cover today on BestBuy.com or the Best Buy App.
About Best Buy Teen Tech Centers®
Best Buy Teen Tech Centers®, an initiative of the Best Buy Foundation®, are a network of creative, youth-centered community hubs where young people can engage with and have access to the latest technology, build critical skills and gain knowledge through interactions with supportive mentors to prepare them for the careers of the future. Each center empowers young people with the tools and resources they need to chart their own path for educational and career success to achieve economic opportunity.