Deadline: October 2, 2017
Amount: $100,000 (Min) / $350,000 (Max)
Eligibility: Eligible applicants are national nonprofit organizations that have a fundamental commitment to underserved youth ages 13 to 21. Projects supported through this program must take place within 25 miles of a Best Buy store or other Best Buy center of operations, such as a warehouse or corporate headquarters. Information regarding Best Buy locations can be found online at www.bestbuy.com/store-locator.
The purpose of this program is to provide underserved teens with hands-on access to the technology education and tools they need to be successful in school and prepared for the tech-reliant jobs of the future. This program seeks to partner with national nonprofit organizations to generate interest and awareness in tech-related careers; improve access to training, credentialing, and employment; and support tech-related career progression.
The primary responsibilities of award recipients will include:
  • Working with schools and other community-based organizations to build awareness of the program in order to drive youth participation
  • Ensuring access to teens from underserved communities
  • Enabling participation of Best Buy employees to serve as volunteers
  • Supporting youth outreach, training, and curriculum development for Best Buy’s signature program, Teen Tech Centers
  • Developing financial and community support to help sustain the project beyond the funding period
  • Attending quarterly national partner calls to exchange best practices, consider collaboration efforts, and share resources
  • Completing an annual report for program evaluation purposes
  • Taking the initiative to set up additional meetings with Best Buy staff to ensure that program deliverables are being met
The funding agency is especially interested in supporting projects that have some of the following characteristics:
  • Rigorous tech-related curriculum, mentorship, and soft-/hard-skills training for youth over a 9- to 12-month period
  • Alignment of training with regional labor market needs to ensure youth gain relevant skills and engage youth in work-based learning opportunities
  • Pathways from high school to postsecondary/tech-related credentialing programs
  • Opportunities for dual enrollment/college credits for underserved teens completing high school
  • General career readiness training, such as resume prep, mock interviews, and job shadows
  • Wraparound supports, such as food access, housing, transportation, and health services
  • Use of technology to develop skills in a wide range of areas, such as 3D design, graphic design/photography, and video/film production
An optional webinar was scheduled for:
September 14, 2017
2:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. CT
Call-in number: (888) 844-9901
Access code: 8338449#
www.bby.webex.com
Eligibility is limited to projects taking place within 25 miles of a Best Buy store or other Best Buy centers of operations, such as a warehouse or corporate headquarters. Information regarding Best Buy locations can be found online at www.bestbuy.com/store-locator.