Best Buy Teen Tech Center - Career Pathways Technical Skills Program RFP

_NOTE: Pathways Tech Skills Partners must be able to provide in-person instruction and secure at least two paid summer internships at each site they are matched with._

Career Pathways Technical Skills Program RFP

The Best Buy Foundation® seeks local and/or national non-profit organizations to provide hands- on, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and/or mathematics) skills training and paid summer internships to teens participating in the Best Buy Teen Tech Center® Career Pathways program. Prospective organizations should have a demonstrated track record of asset-based programming that amplifies the strengths of young people from areas of concentrated poverty and engages teens in out-of-school time settings.

The Career Pathways Program (available in select Teen Tech Center locations) provides Teen Tech Center members ages 16-19 with the opportunity to earn money while developing key technical, professional, and life skills. Participants receive personalized coaching and mentorship, while deepening their knowledge of career opportunities in STEAM that they apply to real-world settings via team projects and paid summer internships.

Teen Tech Centers implementing the Career Pathways Program are paired with a Career Pathways Technical Skills Partner (TSP) – local and/or national organizations with a demonstrated track record of increasing technical skill proficiency, providing career readiness and exploration and securing internship opportunities for high school juniors and seniors. The TSP and Teen Tech Center work collaboratively to implement the four key components of the program:

• Technical Skills Training
• Life/Soft Skills Training
• Pre-Internship Project
• Paid summer Internship

Funding

Up to $70,000 per site.

Eligibility

_ You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's [website]().

Application Details

Program Overview
The Best Buy Foundation® seeks local and/or national non-profit organizations to provide hands-
on, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and/or mathematics) skills training and paid
summer internships to teens participating in the Best Buy Teen Tech Center® Career Pathways
program. Prospective organizations should have a demonstrated track record of asset-based
programming that amplifies the strengths of young people from areas of concentrated poverty
and engages teens in out-of-school time settings.
The Career Pathways Program (available in select Teen Tech Center locations) provides Teen
Tech Center members ages 16-19 with the opportunity to earn money while developing key
technical, professional, and life skills. Participants receive personalized coaching and
mentorship, while deepening their knowledge of career opportunities in STEAM that they apply
to real-world settings via team projects and paid summer internships.
Teen Tech Centers implementing the Career Pathways Program are paired with a Career
Pathways Technical Skills Partner (TSP) – local and/or national organizations with a demonstrated
track record of increasing technical skill proficiency, providing career readiness and exploration
and securing internship opportunities for high school juniors and seniors. The TSP and Teen Tech
Center work collaboratively to implement the four key components of the program:

• • Technical Skills Training: Weekly workshops (Oct-May) delivered by TSP teaching
• introductory or intermediate skills in a relevant STEAM focus area.
• • Life/Soft Skills Training: Weekly workshops (Oct-May) delivered by Teen Tech Center
• staff, TSP, and/or other subject matter experts that teach core workforce readiness skills
• and prepare Career Pathways participants for summer internships and post-secondary
• endeavors.
• • Pre-Internship Project: Group and/or individual project that reflects the culmination of
• participants technical skills and life/soft skills learning over the year.
• Paid summer Internship: Hands-on, 6–10-week, paid work experience with a reputable

organization/company.
Program Year Timeline:

• The Career Pathways program will run from October 1 – August 15.
• • October 1 to late-May: Programming + Project
• • June 1 to mid-August: Summer Internships
• Learn more about Best Buy Teen Tech Centers, including a list of locations here.
• Career Pathways Technical Skills Partner (TSP)
• Expectations

Prospective TSPs will submit a sample curriculum for review. If selected by a Teen Tech Center,
the TSP will work collaboratively with Teen Tech Center staff to tailor their curriculum and
seamlessly integrate it into the comprehensive Career Pathways Program at their partner site.
Expectations include:

• Technical Skills Curriculum
• • Create and facilitate in-person training to equip participants with introductory to

intermediate skills in a relevant STEAM skill focus area. Provide all curriculum materials
and resources necessary for technical skills workshops.

• Preferred TSPs will deliver programming that enables youth to obtain an industry-

recognized workforce certification or credential.

• Partner with Teen Tech Center Career Pathways Facilitator to outline the programming

calendar schedule for the year, ensuring that programming dates align with the individual
Teen Tech Center’s operating days and hours.
Program Administration

• Identify, hire and train a local instructor to deliver weekly, in-person workshops. The on-

site instructor should be comfortable working with teenagers in an after-school setting
and be able to connect with youth from areas of concentrated poverty.

• Prioritize in-person program delivery, unless otherwise deemed necessary due to

emergency situations, inclement weather conditions, facility closures or other unforeseen
circumstances.

• Designate one liaison as the relationship manager between the Teen Tech Center, TSP

organization, and the Best Buy Foundation.

• Attend recurring check-in meetings with Teen Tech Center staff and/or Best Buy

Foundation representative, including:

Beginning of year intro call with the Teen Tech Center and Best Buy
Foundation representative.
Weekly planning and preparation meetings with Teen Tech Center staff.
Meeting cadence may fluctuate.
Recurring group or individual check-in calls with other TSPs, Teen Tech
Centers and/or Best Buy Foundation representatives.
Career Exploration and Mentorship Programming

• Serve as an advisor for soft-skills curriculum content, providing insight into industry-

specific skills expectations.

• Connect technical skills curriculum with industry job titles, career paths, companies, etc.

Internships

• Secure at least two paid summer youth internship placements per Teen Tech Center site

with a reputable business, corporation or 501c3 non-profit organization with the following
requirements:

• Internships may be provided in-house or via an identified partner
• o
• company/organization.
• Intern work responsibilities and projects should be substantial and
• o
• complementary to the skills developed during the program.
• Internships should be approximately 6-10 weeks for a minimum total of
• o
• 120+ hrs.
• Interns should work an average of 20-30 hours per week and may not
• o

exceed 40 hours/week. Internships that are shorter in duration may be
permitted on a case-by-case basis; but they must meet the minimum
requirement of 120 total hours.
Interns must be paid at a rate that is at or above local minimum wage.
The intern host is responsible for managing the hiring, onboarding and
wage administration of intern pay.
Interns should have a designated manager and participate in weekly
check-in meetings with their manager or other designated leader/mentor.
Youth participants may or may not have access to a car. To ensure equity
in access, internship work locations that are accessible via public
transportation and within a reasonable commutable distance from the
local Teen Tech Center location are preferred.

Application Requirements

• Program Overview. Overview of the organization, program model and the specific

STEAM discipline that your program focuses on. Include any links to former projects,
short videos, alumni success stories, etc.

• Curriculum and Learning Outcomes. Sample syllabus that outlines weekly lessons,

including timeline, time commitment and learning outcomes.

• Technology Requirements. Each Teen Tech Center is outfitted with standard

equipment. Please note that any additional specialized equipment or supplies necessary
for TSP programming is the responsibility of the TSP. The Best Buy Foundation or the
Teen Tech Center cannot be responsible for damaged, lost or stolen property of third-
party vendors or external partners. The TSP must work with Teen Tech Center staff to
ensure that equipment is stored properly and handled correctly.

• Additional Program Requirements. Any special requirements that Teen Tech Center

staff should be aware of before partner selection (program timing and delivery
requirements, space requirements, etc.)

• Geographic Availability. At which Teen Tech Center site(s) can your organization best

facilitate in-person programming and utilize your network of prospective internship hosts.

• Number of Sites. For national organizations or cities with multiple Teen Tech Center sites,

what are the minimum and maximum number of sites at which you can effectively
implement in-person programming?

• Referrals. Have you or are you currently working with a Teen Tech Center site? Were you

referred to this grant application by a Teen Tech Center site?

• Detailed Program Budget. Program budget (using provided template) with estimated

cost per site, including anticipated costs associated with the following requirements:

• Each TSP is expected to provide at least two paid summer internships per Teen
• o
• Tech Center site as part of the budget.
• Local in-person instructor.
• o
• Selection and Matching Process
• Upon application review and approval, finalists will be invited to join the pool of organizations

eligible to be matched with a Best Buy Teen Tech Center Career Pathways program. Please note
that joining the menu as a finalist does not guarantee a match with a Teen Tech Center.
During the matching period (late spring/early summer), Teen Tech Centers will have
opportunities to learn more about the TSP finalists available in their city.

1. Pathways Menu: The menu will include an overview of each organization, information

on the program model, a sample curriculum, and links to any additional
websites/videos, etc. shared in the TSP application.

1. Virtual Information Sessions: TSP finalists will be invited to participate in virtual

information sessions for Teen Tech Center staff. More details on the info sessions will
be provided at a later date.
At the conclusion of the matching period, Best Buy Teen Tech Center Career Pathways staff will
rank their preferred TSPs. Final matches will be determined by geographic availability, number of
sites and are subject to budget approval.
Those organizations with a match will receive information on next steps for grant funding,
including the submission of a final budget based on number of sites. Finalists that are not
selected as a TSP may opt-in to be considered for future training offerings with Teen Tech
Centers.
General Eligibility
Who is Eligible to Apply?

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth from a variety of backgrounds.
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a proven track record of serving youth ages 15-19

in and out of school context and informational learning spaces.

• Best Buy Teen Tech Center host organizations with qualified in-house programming

may apply for the TSP grant for their site. In-house programs are subject to all the same
requirements as external organizations.
Ineligible Applicants

• Applications requesting only supplies or product donations.
• Organizations seeking funds to benefit:
• Political, labor, fraternal or civic organizations
• o
• Religious organizations (for sectarian purposes)
• o
• Individuals
• o
• Endowments
• o
• Award ceremonies, memorials, conferences or travel
• o
• Athletic teams or events
• o

Application Process
Preparing to apply: All application materials must be submitted online at https://bby.me/tsp-
Application Deadline: Applicants must submit their completed application, including all
required supplemental materials by 5 PM Eastern on April 4, 2025. Late applications will not
be accepted. Applicants will receive a confirmation email when their full application has
been successfully submitted.
New for 2025: Submittable is the new application portal
Starting in 2025, the Best Buy Foundation is moving to Submittable as a grants management
system. If you are new to Submittable, you will need to create an account to submit a
Pathways Tech Skills Partner grant proposal. Below are introductory resources for getting
started with Submittable:

• • Registering and Getting Started as a New Submitter
• • Help for Applicants | Common Questions
• • Submittable Help - For Submitters
• Previously submitted applications will be accessible in CyberGrants through February 2026.
• Please ensure all your submitted applications and documents are downloaded and saved

from CyberGrants by then if you need them for your records. Basic proposal information
from the last three years will be migrated into Submittable and associated with the
grantseeker email on file for each request. This data migration process will take place over
the coming months.
Grant Awards & Administration
Applicants receive notification with grant determination on or around August 15, 2024.
Award recipients will receive a notification email when funding is distributed.
Reporting/Evaluation Requirements
TSP grant partners will be required to submit an impact report one year from grant distribution
to receive subsequent years of general operating support funding. This report will address
actual financial information, audience/participant information and other information based on
application criteria. This may also include additional surveys or focus groups. See sample
impact report below.

Proposal Deadline and Administrative Information
Grant Awards Up to $70,000 per site.
Grant Period Up to one year of funding.
Saturday, February 1, 2025
Application Site Opens Applications must be submitted through the online
application portal.
Proposal Due Date
Friday, April 4, 5 PM Eastern.
Finalists Notified On or around May 15, 2025.
Virtual Information Sessions and
May 15 – June 14, 2025.
Prospective Partner Meetings
Award Notification Date On or around August 15, 2025.

Sample Application
NOTE: All applications must be submitted through the Submittable portal at https://bby.me/tsp-
Limit: 300 characters

• Request Amount (per Teen Tech Center site activation) (required)

$USD
You may request up to $70,000 per site.

• Please provide a brief summary or abstract of your grant request. (required)
• Do you have any current or previous experience working with the Best Buy

Foundation and/or Best Buy Teen Tech Centers? (required)

• How does program fits into the vision, mission, and model of the Best Buy Teen Tech

Primary Grant Contact

• Who is the primary contact for discussion related to this grant, including program

budget discussion and overall program implementation?
Program Availability

• At which Teen Tech Center(s) are you able to activate programming?

Pathways Tech Skills Partners must be able to provide in-person instruction and
secure at least two paid summer internships at each site they are matched with.
Select all that apply.

US - CA - San Marcos - Boys & Girls Club Of San Marcos Jennifer Loscher
Branch
US - CO - Lakewood (Denver Metro Area) - Gold Crown Foundation
US - FL - Fort Lauderdale - HANDY, Inc.
US - FL - Eatonville (Orlando Metro Area) - Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Florida
US - TX - Houston - Boys And Girls Clubs Of Greater Houston Morefield Club

• What is the maximum number of sites at which you can effectively implement in-

person programming? (Maximum 7 sites) (required)

• Do you require a minimum number of sites to implement programming?

• Program Budget

Please use this Program Budget Template to provide a detailed program budget with
estimated cost per site, including anticipated costs associated with the following
requirements:

• Each TSP is expected to provide at least two paid summer internships per
• o
• Teen Tech Center site as part of the budget.
• Local in-person instruction
• o
• Any specialized equipment or technology.
• o
• The maximum grant per Teen Tech Center activation is $70,000, including
• o
• any flat costs to deliver the program.
• Curriculum and Program Details
• If this program is selected as a finalist, the following
• information will be presented to Teen Tech Centers for
• selection.
• • Program Description (required)
• Please provide an overview of the organization, program model and the specific

STEAM discipline that your program focuses on. Please discuss the types of hands-on
projects/activities that youth will participate in. Include any links to former projects,
short videos, alumni success stories, etc.
• Technical Skills Focus Area (required)
For example, Coding, Entrepreneurship, Python Programming, Filmmaking, etc.

• Does your program offer opportunities for youth to receive industry-recognized

credentials or certifications? Please Describe.
• Curriculum Upload (required)
Please a proposed syllabus that outlines weekly lessons, including timeline, time
commitment and learning outcomes. This document will be presented to Teen Tech
Centers to consider for selection.
• Learning Outcomes (required)
What are the intended learning outcomes for youth who participate in this
program?

Provide a specific list of 2-3 learning outcomes. Be sure to indicate how these
learning outcomes will be measured.
What portfolio or capstone projects will youth leave the program with?
• Youth Time Commitment (required)
How many hours per week should youth expect to attend the technical skills
programming? Note that homework should not be assigned.
• Internship Opportunities (required)
Pathways Tech Skills Partners are required to secure at least two paid summer
internship placements per Teen Tech Center match.
Describe the summer internship opportunities available to youth in your
program. How do you support youth throughout the summer internship
experience?
• Post-Secondary Opportunities
Describe any apprenticeships, fellowships, certifications, credentials, etc. available to
alumni who want to further their learning/career growth in this area after completing
this program.
• Additional Extracurricular Opportunities
In addition to weekly workshops at the Teen Tech Center, are there other
extracurricular opportunities available to participants such as field trips, events, travel,
competitions, etc.?

• What technology requirements exist for successful participation (i.e. device type,

device specifications, software licenses)? (required)
Each BBTTC is outfitted with standard equipment. Please note that any
additional specialized equipment or supplies necessary for Tech Skills partner
programming is the responsibility of the Tech Skills partner.
Best Buy or the BBTTC cannot be responsible for damaged, lost or stolen
property of third-party vendors or external partners. The Tech Skills Partner
must work with BBTTC staff to ensure that equipment is stored properly and
handled correctly.

• Are there any special requirements that BBTTC staff should be aware of, such as

program timing and delivery requirements, space requirements, etc.? (required)
Teen Tech Center Contact

• Pathways Tech Skills Partner finalists will be invited to join the pool of organizations

eligible to be matched with a Best Buy Teen Tech Center Career Pathways program.

• Teen Tech Centers will have opportunities to learn more about the TSP finalists

available in their city.

• Who should Best Buy Teen Tech Center staff contact to learn more about your

program?
Impact and Engagement

• How will you measure the impact of this program? Who will be involved in evaluating

this work (staff, board, constituents, community, consultants)? (required)
Upon being matched and receiving grant funding, your organization will be required
to submit an Impact Report that highlights information such as program outcomes,
participation, successes, challenges, and learnings.

• Describe how you continue to engage program alumni, including any longitudinal

studies or tracking. (required)
your program? Please describe any notable logistical challenges and opportunities.
• Youth Served
Approximately how many youth does this program serve?

• Approximately what percentage of youth in this program fall into each of the

Note: Your responses should total 100%.
Youth Safety Measures

• For any organization representatives engaged with Teen Tech Center youth

members, please select background screening measured.
State/County court search(es) for Felony and Misdemeanor records
Motor Vehicle Records (If youth transportation is provided by organization)
• Organization Mission Statement (required)

• What is your organization's current operating budget? (required)

• Current Board Members Upload (required)
Attach a list of current board members.

• Additional Funding (required)

• List names of top corporations and foundations from which funding has been

requested for this program (up to 10). If the Best Buy Foundation is the only funder
engaged, please list your top organization funders. Include dollar amounts and
indicate which sources are committed or pending.

• Is there a Best Buy employee serving on the board of this organization?

Authorization

• I certify that the organization complies with the statements below. (required)

Best Buy is an equal opportunity employer committed to an environment free of
discrimination. Organizations seeking financial support from Best Buy or the Best Buy
Foundation are asked to verify that their programs and services are offered without
regard to race, color, ancestry, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual
orientation, marital status, age, national origin, physical or mental disability (actual or
perceived), medical condition, pregnancy (including childbirth or related medical
conditions), veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or
local law, regulation or ordinance.
By entering your name for e-signature, you are certifying that all information in the
proposal is true and correct.

Impact Information
Instructions:

• *Youth Served
• · How many unique youth has your Career
• (Number)(15 character maximum)
• Pathways Program served in the last grant
• period?
• *Age
• (Percentage List)
• • 12 and under Instructions:
• • 13-15
• · Approximately what percentage of youth
• • 16-18
• participating in the Pathways program fall into
• • 19-21 each of the following age groups?
• • 22 or older Note: Your responses below should total 100%.
• • Unknown
• • Decline to state
• *Program Hours
• (Single-Select List)
• • Less than 1 hour a week Instructions:
• • 1 hour a week
• · On average, how many hours per week did
• • 2 hours a week youth participate in the Pathways program?
• • 3 – 4 hours a week
• • 5 or more hours a week

• 1 week or less
Instructions:

• • 2 weeks - 1 month
• • 2 - 3 months (e.g., 5–15 weeks) · On average, how many weeks per week did
• youth participate in the Pathways program?
• • 4 – 5 months (e.g., 16–24 weeks)
• • 6 – 8 months (e.g., 25–36 weeks)
• • 9 or more months (37 or more weeks)
• *Pathways Program Start Date
• Instructions:
• (Date)
• *Pathways Program End Date (including
• summer internships) Instructions:
• (Date)
• Instructions:
• *Technology Skills
• (Paragraph)(4000 character maximum) · What technology skills and knowledge did
• youth gain from this program?

working in a group)

• How to manage conflicts and resolve Instructions:
• problems
• · When you think of the youth served by the
• • How to balance needs with the needs
• funding you received for this grant, what
• of others
• types of life or work skills and knowledge do
• • How to advocate for themselves
• you believe they gained? (Select all that apply)
• • How to give and/or receive feedback
• • Interview skills and preparation
• • How to build a resume
• • How to search and apply for jobs
• • Understanding vocabulary and
• documents required for employment
• (like W-4s, paychecks)
• • Networking techniques (like LinkedIn)
• • Something else (please describe)
• Instructions:
• Work Life Skills - Other
• (Paragraph)(4000 character maximum) · Please describe other life or work skills youth
• gained from your program.

• College and Program Research
Instructions:

• • College Application and Essay
• Assistance · Which of the college readiness topics, if any,
• were included in your Career Pathways
• • College Tours
• curriculum/lessons?
• • Financial Aid Application Assistance
• • SAT/ACT Prep
• • Scholarship Research and Application
• Assistance
• Instructions:
• · What supplemental activities or supplies, if
• any, were provided with funding from this

grant? This may include:

• Supplemental Activities and Supplies • Technology, equipment and supplies
• • Incentives and awards
• (Paragraph)(2000 character maximum)
• • Field trips and other activities
• • Speaker panels
• • Transportation
• • Meals and snacks
• • Other resources or materials
• Instructions:
• *Stipends and Incentives · Describe your strategy for program stipends

(Paragraph)(2000 character maximum) and incentives. Include the types of incentives,
how they were awarded or distributed, and any
success or challenges.
Instructions:

• *Youth Internships · Internship Location
• (Worksheet)
• · How many youth participated this internship?

· How many youth successfully completed this
internship?
Teen Tech Center, Best Buy, or the Tech
Skills/National Partner?
· Comments
Instructions:

• · Describe the summer internship experience
• *Internship Overview and Experience
• for youth in your program. How were youth
• (Paragraph)(4000 character maximum)
• supported throughout the experience? If
• possible, include specific examples of
• outcomes and successes.
• Instructions:
• · Please describe your progress towards your
• goals and objectives, including the following
• in your response:
• *Goals and Objectives • Progress made toward your original
• (Long Paragraph)(4000 character maximum) goals and objectives for this grant.
• • Description of the curriculum,
• activities, or materials/resources that
• were most useful in supporting you to
• make progress towards your goals and
• objectives.
• *Goals Progress Made
• (Single-Select List)
• Instructions:
• • None
• · Which of the following best describes what
• • Some
• progress you have made towards your goals
• • A lot and objectives for this grant? (Select one)
• • On hold
• Instructions:
• *Logistical Opportunities and Challenges
• (Long Paragraph)(4000 character maximum) · Is there anything important that we should be
• aware of about the logistical aspects of your

program? Please describe any notable
logistical challenges and opportunities.
Instructions:

• *Spending Report
• · Please upload a file showing use of funds for
• (File Upload)File Upload; 5242880 byte limit
• this grant using the Pathways Spending Report
• Template
• Instructions:
• Optional: Success Stories
• · Are there any participant success stories that
• (Paragraph)(4000 character maximum)
• you would like to share with the Best Buy
• Foundation?

Best Buy Teen Tech Center®
Career Pathways Technical Skills Program
Request for Proposals
Program Overview
The Best Buy Foundation® seeks local and/or national non-profit organizations to provide hands-
on, STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and/or mathematics) skills training and paid
summer internships to teens participating in the Best Buy Teen Tech Center® Career Pathways
program. Prospective organizations should have a demonstrated track record of asset-based
programming that amplifies the strengths of young people from areas of concentrated poverty
and engages teens in out-of-school time settings.
The Career Pathways Program (available in select Teen Tech Center locations) provides Teen
Tech Center members ages 16-19 with the opportunity to earn money while developing key
technical, professional, and life skills. Participants receive personalized coaching and
mentorship, while deepening their knowledge of career opportunities in STEAM that they apply
to real-world settings via team projects and paid summer internships.
Teen Tech Centers implementing the Career Pathways Program are paired with a Career
Pathways Technical Skills Partner (TSP) – local and/or national organizations with a demonstrated
track record of increasing technical skill proficiency, providing career readiness and exploration
and securing internship opportunities for high school juniors and seniors. The TSP and Teen Tech
Center work collaboratively to implement the four key components of the program:

• Technical Skills Training: Weekly workshops (Oct-May) delivered by TSP teaching

introductory or intermediate skills in a relevant STEAM focus area.