Game on! To celebrate Xbox’s 25th anniversary, the Best Buy Foundation® and Xbox are partnering to bring Xbox Game Camp to Minneapolis. The partnership will bring together local teens from Best Buy Teen Tech Centers® for hands‑on game development training and mentorship opportunities as they design a video game prototype, which they will present to Xbox representatives at Best Buy’s headquarters on Sept. 3.
Xbox Game Camp will officially kick off this June and is open to Best Buy Teen Tech Center® members ages 18 to 19 across our network of more than 10 locations in the Twin Cities and surrounding areas. Young people selected to participate in the free, 12-week camp will have the opportunity to:
- Work alongside industry mentors from Xbox and Microsoft
- Learn hands-on skills in video game creation at their local Teen Tech Center
- Retain full ownership over the prototype they create
- Get access to Xbox Game Camp’s alumni network for growth beyond the program
“We know how crucial it is for young people to have access to technology, real-world experience and mentorship, to set them up for their future careers,” said Olivia Jefferson, vice president of social impact at Best Buy. “Best Buy couldn’t be more excited to partner with Xbox and create such an amazing opportunity to empower the next generation of game creators.”
“Partnering with Best Buy for Xbox Game Camp Minneapolis provides an extraordinary opportunity to turn hobbies into careers,” said Peter Zetterberg, senior director of Xbox Game Camp. “We can’t wait to see what this next generation of game developers creates.”
Xbox Game Camp launched in 2020 and travels to cities across the world to empower aspiring video game creators to build real skills, confidence, and community through a structured, mentor-led immersive program.
All camp participants will receive a stipend from the Best Buy Foundation to help ensure they can focus on their learning during the program.
About the Best Buy Foundation®
The Best Buy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization that is committed to building brighter futures for young people by expanding access to technology, skills-based training, and career pathways. Through a network of Best Buy Teen Tech Centers® and community partnerships, the Foundation helps young people develop critical career skills and gain real-world experience to thrive in tech-reliant careers of the future. By working alongside industry, education, and nonprofit partners, the Best Buy Foundation strategically invests in initiatives that strengthen talent pipelines and empower the next generation of leaders for the careers of the future.
Learn more about the Best Buy Foundation and how we are building brighter futures through technology for young people.