We’re excited to share that Visions of Science has been selected as our newest partner site for the second Best Buy Teen Tech Centre in Canada.
Best Buy Teen Tech Centres are youth-led, project-based safe spaces where young people can explore technology, collaborate with peers and mentors, and build the skills needed for future careers. These centres provide access to cutting-edge technology and resources in a supportive, after-school environment that fosters creativity, confidence, and connection.
For the past decade, Best Buy has expanded Teen Tech Centres across North America, partnering with exceptional organizations to reach youth in areas of concentrated poverty. This model has enabled us to make a meaningful impact in communities through long-term, trusted relationships.
Meet our new partner: Visions of Science
Our newest partner, Visions of Science, is a Toronto-based charity committed to transforming communities through equitable access to STEM. With a mission to advance STEM equity by engaging Black and racialized youth from low-income communities, Visions of Science has reached more than 19,000 youth across the GTA and Peel Region over the past 20 years. Their leadership in youth STEM engagement and dedication to disrupting systemic exclusion in STEM education and careers make them an ideal partner for this initiative.
“For more than 20 years, Visions of Science has been on the ground in community spaces across the GTA, meeting youth where they are and expanding access to STEM education. Last year, we acquired our first-ever permanent home in the heart of Regent Park, a community central to our mission and history.
We envisioned this space as a hub where youth could gather, create, and innovate as they grow into the STEM futures they see for themselves. We are honoured to partner with Best Buy to bring that vision to life. Together, we are launching a Best Buy Teen Tech Centre. This space, unlike any other in Toronto, will empower us to unlock the full potential of countless young people and ensure they have the tools, confidence, and opportunities to thrive.” – Dr. Eugenia Addy, CEO, Visions of Science
Powered by Meta: Expanding access to emerging technology
This significant investment by Meta reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to artificial intelligence and AI wearable technology, along with innovative hardware that helps teens develop critical skills through hands-on learning and exploration of emerging career pathways. The collaboration builds on the six Meta-powered Teen Tech Centres already operating in the United States.
“It’s been amazing to watch this project take shape! Our goal has always been to make future-focused technology more accessible, and this new Toronto center does exactly that. We’re partnering to launch this space to support a community where young Canadians can feel empowered to lead. We’re honored to be part of this journey with Best Buy Canada and Visions of Science to build a more inclusive tech ecosystem” – Johnny Restrepo, Canada GM, Meta Reality Labs
The new Best Buy Teen Tech Centre powered by Meta is expected to open sometime this summer and will add to our network of Teen Tech Centres across North America, including our first Canadian location at the BGC Hillside Club in Delta, BC. This is the first Teen Tech Centre in Ontario.
We look forward to seeing the incredible impact this new Teen Tech Centre will have on youth in Toronto and beyond.
Want to learn more about what a Teen Tech Centre is? Check out this video!
