Minnesota members of Best Buy Teen Tech Centers® will get a courtside view of the different types of technology careers that bring the Timberwolves and Lynx seasons to life, both on and off the court.
The Best Buy Foundation is partnering with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, and electronics company TCL, to advance tech equity and empower youth at Twin Cities Teen Tech Centers through career opportunities. The partnership with the Timberwolves and Lynx will give local Teen Tech Center members a behind-the-scenes look at how tech is used during each basketball game.
“Our partnership with TCL in collaboration with Best Buy Teen Tech Centers is critical to broadening tech access and resources in historically underserved areas,” said Timberwolves and Lynx CEO Ethan Casson. “We look forward to the conversations ahead with the next generation of inspiring tech minds, artists and more.”
Throughout the season, TCL will sponsor the “TCL Big Screen Shootout” fan contest at Timberwolves games and for every made basket, TCL will make a donation to Best Buy Teen Tech Centers. With a goal of raising $100,000 the proceeds will go to the Best Buy Foundation to support Teen Tech Center activities including innovative career programming, internships, and scholarships.
“We are honored to work with the Best Buy Foundation as well as Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx to put some fun and excitement in technology. As one of the world’s leading consumer electronics brands, TCL is thrilled to help foster passion for the tech industry amongst youth who depend on Best Buy Teen Tech Centers for resources to thrive,” said Chris Hamdorf, Senior Vice President, TCL.
This partnership aligns with TCL’s Cares initiative, the company’s goal to give back to the community through special programs and in-game activities like this. Through their initiative, they will raise funds for Twin Cities Teen Tech Centers, while also providing young people a unique perspective on careers in tech.
Best Buy Teen Tech Centers aim to advance tech equity for young people in disinvested communities, connecting them with mentorship, training opportunities and post-secondary and career resources to ensure they thrive in the future.
Running through summer of 2023, Best Buy Teen Tech Center staff will collaborate with the Timberwolves, Lynx and TCL to identify meaningful learning opportunities for teens. Examples of these opportunities include:
- Hear from Timberwolves and Lynx leadership about career opportunities at the intersection of sports and technology.
- Go behind-the-scenes at team facilities to experience how technology is used on game day.
- Attend Timberwolves and Lynx games with other local Teen Tech Center members.
About Teen Tech Centers
Best Buy Teen Tech Centers®, a program of the Best Buy Foundation, provide a safe space for youth to create, learn and explore using the latest cutting-edge technology with the support of peers and adult mentors. At each center, members develop skills for the tech-reliant jobs of the future through hands-on activities in photography, augmented and virtual reality, 3-D design and more.
More than 50 Teen Tech Centers are operating nationwide and the Best Buy Foundation has a goal to support 100 by 2025.
To learn more about Best Buy Teen Tech Centers®, visit bestbuy.com/teentechcenter.