Best Buy Teen Tech Center - Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant

Best Buy Teen Tech Center - Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Best Buy Foundation
Amount: Up to US $24,999
Last Updated: February 13, 2026

Summary

The Best Buy Teen Tech Center is offering a Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant to support local and national non-profits in providing STEAM skills workshops for youth aged 13-19. These workshops, which include topics such as coding, filmmaking, and robotics, aim to enhance technical skills and career exploration. Funding can reach up to $24,999, with a focus on hands-on, facilitator-led experiences, and additional programming opportunities may be considered.

Overview

Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant The Best Buy Foundation® seeks local or national non-profit organizations to join the Tech Skills Partner program. Tech Skills Partners work with local Best Buy Teen Tech Centers® (BBTTC) and provide STEAM skills workshops and learning opportunities to BBTTC members. These workshops and learning opportunities will increase technical skill proficiency and/or provide career exploration opportunities that are suitable for youth ages 13-19. Eligible programs and opportunities will be included in a menu of optional “Mini Tech Skills Workshops” offerings that BBTTC staff can request for their youth members. Mini Tech Skills Workshops are supplemental STEAM skills programs of varying lengths delivered as workshops, weekly sessions or immersive camps. Workshops are generally facilitated by the Tech Skills Partner organization and hosted on-site at the BBTTC site. Offsite programs (such as filmmaking workshops that take place on location at a film set) and virtual programs are also permitted to apply. Some of the most highly requested workshop topics include: CodingFilmmakingGame DesignMusic ProductionPhotographyRobotics While hands-on, external facilitator led workshops are preferred, organizations that provide other ad-hoc programming opportunities will also be considered. Some examples of ad-hoc programming may include: Curriculum and resource material.Paid Apprenticeships.Other opportunities to be considered on case-by-case basis Funding The maximum grant award is $24,999.

Eligibility

We've imported the main document for this grant to give you an overview. You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website.

Application Details

Mini Tech Skills Workshop Grant
Program Overview
The Best Buy Foundation® seeks local or national non-profit organizations to join the Tech Skills
Partner program. Tech Skills Partners work with local Best Buy Teen Tech Centers® (BBTTC) and
provide STEAM skills workshops and learning opportunities to BBTTC members. These
workshops and learning opportunities will increase technical skill proficiency and/or provide
career exploration opportunities that are suitable for youth ages 13-19. Eligible programs and
opportunities will be included in a menu of optional “Mini Tech Skills Workshops” offerings that
BBTTC staff can request for their youth members.
Mini Tech Skills Workshops are supplemental STEAM skills programs of varying lengths delivered
as workshops, weekly sessions or immersive camps. Workshops are generally facilitated by the
Tech Skills Partner organization and hosted on-site at the BBTTC site. Offsite programs (such as
filmmaking workshops that take place on location at a film set) and virtual programs are also
permitted to apply. The maximum grant award is $24,999 per Teen Tech Center site.
Some of the most highly requested workshop topics include:
• Coding
• Filmmaking
• Game Design
• Music Production
• Photography
• Robotics
While hands-on, external facilitator led workshops are preferred, organizations that provide other
ad-hoc programming opportunities will also be considered. Some examples of ad-hoc
programming may include:
• Curriculum and resource material.
• Paid Apprenticeships.
• Other opportunities to be considered on case-by-case basis.
Prospective organizations should have a demonstrated track record of asset-based
programming that amplifies the strengths of young people from underserved communities and
experience engaging teens (ages 13-19) in out-of-school time settings.

About Best Buy Teen Tech Centers
At a Best Buy Teen Tech Center, teens can develop critical skills through hands-on activities
exploring their interests through project-based learning. Each location works to bridge the digital
divide by giving young people access to tech education and mentor guidance while building the
confidence they will need to be successful in school and in their future careers. Young people
can leverage technology to develop projects based on their own interests such as: creating art,
producing music and developing animations; designing their own science simulations and
mobile applications; writing and illustrating interactive poetry, stories and films; building kinetic
sculptures and robotic constructions; starting their own businesses; and designing their own 3D
worlds and games. In the process, youth become excited about new technologies, develop skills
and experiences to help them succeed in their careers, contribute to their communities and lead
outstanding lives.
Proposal Requirements
Proposals from prospective Tech Skills Partners will be accepted on a rolling basis through
Submittable at the following link:
Submit a Mini Tech Skills Partner Proposal
New submissions will be reviewed on a quarterly basis.
The proposal should include an overview of the organization, geographic availability, an outline
and/or sample curriculum of potential workshops or programs that are being proposed for
consideration, and links to any additional websites/videos, etc. For organizations that offer
different programming topics, the proposal should outline each workshop/program separately.
Where applicable, the proposal should also include detailed information about the tech skills
programming including:
• Overview. Overview of the organization, specific STEAM discipline of focus, and
program model.
• Duration. Length of time a young person spends participating in the program.
Programming may be delivered over a single session, a one-day immersive experience, a
weekend or week-long camp, a workshop series delivered over multiple weeks, etc.
Preferred programs will have a maximum of 50 contact hours.
• Delivery Method. Programming may be delivered in-person, virtually, or hybrid. If hybrid,
specify what percentage of the program will be delivered in-person and virtually.
• Location. Is programming delivered at the BBTTC or off-site location? If offsite, specify
where and note any transportation or travel assistance provided.
• Content Facilitation. Will a facilitator/instructor be provided? Will BBTTC staff be
responsible for program delivery? If facilitator is not provided, what type of facilitator

training is available? Note: Programs that can provide facilitators/instructors are
preferred.
• Curriculum and Learning Outcomes. Sample syllabus (if applicable) that outlines lesson
topics, including timeline, time commitment and learning outcomes.
• Certifications or Credentials. Does program completion result in any formal certification
or credential? Are there related industry credentials/formal certificates available?
• Supplemental Program Information: You are encouraged to upload any links to former
projects, short videos, alumni success stories, etc.
• Technology Requirements. Each BBTTC is outfitted with standard equipment. Any
additional equipment should be included in the program budget.
• Additional program requirements. Any special requirements that BBTTC staff should be
aware of such as program timing and delivery requirements, space requirements, etc.
• Youth Participants. Minimum and maximum number of youth participants (if applicable).
Preferred programs can serve at least ten youth participants.
• Service Area(s). The BBTTC cities where your program/resource is available.
• Number of sites. For national organizations or cities with multiple BBTTC sites, what are
the minimum and maximum number of sites at which you can effectively implement in-
person programming? (if applicable)
• Estimated Program Budget (per site). Consider all costs and fees associated with
program implementation. Budget should reflect programming at a single site. If the
program is requested by multiple BBTTC sites, the organization will have an opportunity
to update and finalize the budget at the full proposal stage.
• Youth Safety. For programming delivered by the applicant, what background checks
and youth safety measures are in place?
• Referrals. Have you or are you already working with a Best Buy Teen Tech Center site?
Were you referred to this grant application by a BBTTC site?
Review Process and Timeline
Initial Review
Tech Skills Partner proposals are accepted on a rolling basis. New submissions will be reviewed
on a quarterly basis. Upon review and due diligence from the Best Buy Foundation staff,
approved workshops and programs will be included in a menu of opportunities available upon
request to Teen Tech Centers for up to one year. Organizations will be notified if their
submissions have been approved for inclusion in the menu.
Teen Tech Center Review

Each quarter, Teen Tech Centers will have the opportunity to review the menu of available
workshop proposals and submit a request for programming. Please note that this menu is being
offered to Teen Tech Centers as an optional resource for supplemental programming.
If there is interest, a Teen Tech Center staff member will reach out to the Tech Skills Partner’s
designated point of contact to schedule an exploratory call and discuss any site-specific
questions or requests. Tech Skills Partners are also encouraged to share information for any
upcoming information sessions and/or office hours where interested staff can learn more about
the program.
Being selected for inclusion in the menu does not guarantee a match with a Teen Tech Center.
Proposals will be available for selection by a Teen Tech Center for up to one year.
Final Selection and Approval
All Teen Tech Center requests for programming will be granted on a first-come, first-served
basis, must be submitted at least 90 days before the requested workshop date, and are subject
to budget availability.
If a program is requested by one or multiple BBTTC sites, the prospective Tech Skills Partner will
be invited to submit a full grant proposal as outlined below. The proposal should include the final
budget for the scope of work agreed upon with the Teen Tech Center. The Best Buy Foundation
reserves the right to request modifications or amendments to the submitted proposal before
final approval. Grant payments are typically issued within 6-8 weeks after final approval.
The Full Grant Proposal should include:
• Request amount.
• Site-specific program details (if applicable).
• Detailed program budget by BBTTC site (if applicable).
• Audited financial statement (requests $100,000 or more for programming requested at
multiple sites).
Grant funding for proposed workshops or Teen Tech Center partnership is contingent upon a
confirmed match with a Teen Tech Center. Programming must be implemented and completed
within one year of grant distribution.

Selected Tech Skills Partner Expectations
If selected, Tech Skills Partners will be required to meet the following expectations:
• Tech Skills Partners will work closely with BBTTC staff to determine the appropriate timing
and delivery of programming or content. Programming must be implemented and
completed within one year of grant distribution.
• Tech Skills programming may be delivered virtually, on-site at the BBTTC or offsite.
If programming occurs offsite, note transportation logistics, including whether the
o
location is easily accessible by public transportation or if transportation could be
provided.
Offsite programming may be open to other youth in the community. BBTTC staff
o
will work with the Tech Skills Partner at the final proposal stage to determine
number of TTC youth participants and budget appropriately.
• Organizations must have employment policies and practices that comply with applicable
laws addressing privacy and safety concerns when working with minors, including
criminal background checks of contractors, employees, volunteers and any other person
who may interact with minors.
• Each BBTTC is outfitted with standard equipment. Please note that any additional
specialized equipment or supplies necessary for Tech Skills partner programming should
be included in the project budget and 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.
Reporting Requirements
Selected Tech Skills Partners will be required to submit an impact report within 90 days of
program completion or one year of grant distribution (whichever is first) to be considered for
subsequent years of grant funding. This report will address actual financial information,
audience/participant demographics, program outcomes, and information based on
application criteria.
Eligibility
Who is Eligible to Apply?
• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a proven track record of serving youth ages 13-19
in and out of school context and informational learning spaces.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with youth from a variety of backgrounds.
Ineligible Applicants
• Applications requesting only supplies or product donations.

• Applications requesting event sponsorships.
• Organizations seeking funds to benefit:
• Political, labor, fraternal, or civic organizations.
• Religious organizations (for sectarian purposes).
• Individuals.
• Endowments.
• Award ceremonies, memorials, conferences or travel.
• Athletic teams or events.
Grant Awards & Administrative Timeline
Grant funding for proposed workshops or Teen Tech Center partnership is contingent upon a
confirmed match with a Teen Tech Center. Being selected for inclusion in the menu does not
guarantee a match with a Teen Tech Center. Matched organizations will be invited to submit a
full proposal outlining the program budget request. Grant checks are typically issued within 6-8
weeks after final approval.
Proposals will be accepted on a rolling basis starting August 1st and presented to BBTTC for
finalist selection on a quarterly basis.
Administrative Details
Grant amounts will vary and are contingent upon Best
Grant Awards Buy Teen Tech Center requests. Maximum grant
amount is $24,999 per Best Buy Teen Tech Center site.
Grant Period Up to one year of funding.
Within approximately 60 days of approval notification
Funding Distribution
and award acceptance.
Program Contact info@bestbuyfoundation.org
All proposals must be submitted online at the
Proposal Submission following link:
Submit a Mini Tech Skills Partner Application

Timeline
Proposal Deadline Rolling
Virtual Office Hours (registration required) Reserve a Time
Within 60 days of submission.
Initial Determinations.
Proposals will remain on the menu for one
Accepted proposal added to Menu of
year (Spring, Fall and Summer sessions)
opportunities for Teen Tech Center Selection.
unless otherwise specified.
At least 90 days after BBTTC request
Workshop Implementation submission and within one year or
request.
Application Submission
Preparing to Submit
All proposals must be submitted online at the following link: https://bby.me/tsp-mini
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 September
2025. 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.

Sample Application
All materials must be submitted through the online portal at the following link: Submit a Mini
Tech Skills Partner Application
Request Overview
• Project Title (required)
• Request Amount (per Teen Tech Center site activation) (required)
You may request up to $24,999 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)
• Program Budget Upload
Please provide a detailed program budget with estimated cost per site, including
anticipated costs associated with the following requirements:
Local in-person instruction (if applicable)
o
Any specialized technology or equipment
o
The maximum grant per Teen Tech Center activation is $24,999, including any
o
flat costs to deliver the program.
Primary Grant Contact
• Who is the primary contact for discussion related to this grant, including program
budget discussion and overall program implementation?
• Grant Contact Name (required)
• First Name (required)
• Last Name (required)
• Grant Contact Name Email (required)

Program Availability
• All Sites • FL - Eatonville • OK - Oklahoma City
• Canada - BC - North • FL - Fort Lauderdale • OK - Tulsa
Delta • GA - Atlanta • OR - Portland
• All US Sites • IA - Des Moines • PA - Philadelphia
• AL - Selma • IN - Gary • PA - Pittsburgh
• AZ - Phoenix • IN - Indianapolis • TN - Memphis
• CA - El Monte • KY - Louisville • TN - Nashville
• CA - East Palo Alto • LA - New Orleans • TX - Austin
• CA - Lancaster • MI - Detroit • TX - Dallas
• CA - Long Beach • MN - Minneapolis/St. • TX - El Paso
• CA - Los Angeles Paul • TX - Houston
• CA - North Hills • MN - St. Cloud • TX - San Antonio
• CA - Oakland • MO - North Kansas • UT - South Salt Lake
• CA - San Jose City City
• CA - San Leandro • MO - St. Louis • VA - Charlottesville
• CA - San Marcos • NC - Charlotte • WA - Bellevue
• CO - Lakewood • NV - Las Vegas • WI - Kenosha
• CT - Hartford • NY - New York • WI - Milwaukee
• DC - Washington • OH - Cleveland
• What is the maximum number of sites at which you can effectively implement in-
person programming? (required)
• Do you require a minimum number of sites to implement this program?
Youth Participation
• What is the maximum number of youth participants (per site or program activation)?
(required)
• Do you require a minimum number of youth participants (per site or program
activation)?

• Comments
Curriculum and Program Details
If this program is selected as a finalist, the following
information will be presented to Teen Tech Centers
for selection.
• Technical Skills Focus Area (required)
For example, Coding, Entrepreneurship, Python Programming, Filmmaking, etc.
• 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.
• How will this program be delivered? (required)
In Person, Virtually, Hybrid, Other, Not Applicable
• Will your organization provide an instructor to deliver the program? (required)
• Does your program offer opportunities for youth to receive industry-recognized
credentials or certifications? Please Describe.
• Program Duration
Describe the length of time a young person spends participating in the program. For
example, a one-day immersive experience, a weekend camp, a workshop series
delivered over multiple weeks, etc. If there are multiple scenarios, please provide a
list.
• 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
o
learning outcomes will be measured.
What portfolio or capstone projects will youth leave the program with?
o
• 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.
• 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?
Program Contact Name (required)
o

First Name (required)
o
Last Name (required)
o
Program Contact Name Email (required)
o
Youth Participation
• Youth Served
• Approximately how many youth does this program serve?
• Approximately what percentage of youth in this program fall into each of the
following age groups? (required)
% 9 and under
o
% 10-12
o
% 13-15
o
% 16-18
o
% 19-21
o
% 22-24
o
% 25 and older
o
Organization Information
• Organization Mission Statement (required)
• What is your organization's current operating budget? (required)
• Organization Budget Upload (required)
• Current Board Members (required)
Attach a list of current board members.
• Is there a Best Buy employee serving on the board of this organization?
If so, List names, board tenure and special roles held.

• Additional Funding (required)
List names of corporations and foundations from which funding has been requested
for this program. 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.
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.