With a goal to improve tech equity in Canada, Best Buy Canada proudly announces the “Teen Tech for Tomorrow” program. This initiative is designed to equip Canadian teenagers with the crucial technology they need to thrive in their educational journeys and beyond. Applications for Teen Tech Grants and Teen Tech Teams programs are open until June 28.
About the program
Teen Tech for Tomorrow is structured around these four initiatives:
- Teen Tech Grants. Public secondary schools across Canada can apply for grants up to $10,000 to provide state-of-the-art educational technology to students from grades 8 to 12.
- Teen Tech Network. All Teen Tech Grant recipients will become members of the Teen Tech Network, a national community aimed at fostering collaboration and continuous growth among students. Teens will be able to collaborate on projects and compete for ongoing funding, prizes, and technology.
- Teen Tech Teams. High school robotics teams can receive funding to purchase necessary materials and equipment for upcoming 2024/25 robotics competitions. In partnership with Alienware, each winning team will be awarded a $5,000 grant and an Alienware M16 R2 gaming laptop.
- Teen Tech Centre. The first of its kind in Canada, the Teen Tech Centre located in a BGC Canada club in Delta, B.C., offers a professional-level technological haven for after-school activities. It is part of a broader network of 60 Teen Tech Centres across North America, with plans to expand to 100 locations in the next few years.
Applications now open!
Applications for the Teen Tech for Tomorrow program are now open until June 28. This is a golden opportunity for teens across Canada to gain access to cutting-edge technology that can significantly enhance their learning and development.
Who can apply?
Canadian public secondary schools (with students primarily in grades 8 to 12) can apply to the Teen Tech Grant program.
Canadian robotics teams who are registered to compete in the FIRST Robotics Competition, with members range in age from 13 to 18 years old, can apply to the Teen Tech Team program. Robotics team can come from schools or other youth organizations (non-profit, libraries, club organizations, etc.).
How to apply?
It only requires three steps:
- Review the rules of the program: Teen Tech Grant program rules or Teen Tech Team program rules.
- Prepare your application: involve your school staff or team members, and adult supervisors in drafting your proposal.
- Submit your online application by June 28, 2024, 11:59PM PST.
Cross-sectional panels at Best Buy will review the applications. Results will be announced in October.
Jen Knight, Best Buy Canada’s social impact manager, emphasizes the significance of this initiative: “We’ve identified teens as a group that we can significantly impact by creating more access to technology and training. Through our new Teen Tech for Tomorrow program, our goal is to provide hands-on technology to youth at a time when they’re considering post-secondary education and future careers. We’re very excited to equip Canadian students with the tech they need to unlock their potential and pursue their dreams.”
Best Buy is committed to supporting the communities where the company does business. Best Buy takes pride in giving back through many social impact initiatives, from connecting kids with technology to helping the environment. Since 2008, Best Buy Canada has donated over $4 million in grants to more than 300 Canadian public schools to upgrade their technology. The Teen Tech for Tomorrow program continues this legacy. It aims to bridge the digital divide and create opportunities for schools to connect and learn from each other.
Stay informed
Don’t miss out on future opportunities, including our popular School Tech Grant program for elementary schools opening in late August. Sign up for our educator mailing list to receive updates on application periods and more information about our programs.
Learn more and apply
To learn more about the Teen Tech for Tomorrow program and to apply, visit our dedicated pages on Teen Tech Grants and Teen Tech Teams. Join us in building brighter futures through technology with Teen Tech for Tomorrow!
