Best Buy Foundation: Teen Tech Centers and STEM
Best Buy Foundation grants supporting STEM programs and Teen Tech Centers for middle and high school students.
About This Grant
Best Buy Foundation invests in tech-focused after-school programs for teens through its Teen Tech Center initiative and STEM grants to nonprofits serving grades 6-12.
Teen Tech Centers are dedicated spaces where teens access technology, participate in coding and design programs, and receive mentorship. STEM grants support broader technology education programming.
Michigan nonprofits and community organizations with strong youth-serving infrastructure should look at Best Buy Foundation as a source for both equipment and program funding.
View Best Buy Foundation: Teen Tech Centers and STEMEligibility
- US nonprofits serving teens (primarily grades 6-12)
- Must have infrastructure to host a teen technology program
- For Teen Tech Centers: needs physical space and program capacity
- Programs focused on technology skills and career readiness
Allowable Uses
- Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
- CS and AI literacy curriculum
- Teacher professional development
- Teen tech space buildout, device procurement, and youth mentorship program costs
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- micro:bit Starter Kit — Physical computing for CS education. Aligns to Michigan CS standards for computational thinking and programming at grades K-8.
- MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — AI literacy curriculum for middle and high school. Addresses AI and data literacy components of Michigan CS standards.
- Coding for Good Kit — Project-based coding curriculum with real-world connections. Strong alignment to Michigan standards.
- micro:bit Robotics Kit — Robotics and physical computing for grades 5-12. Supports CS standards across computational thinking and programming.
Keep in Mind
Teen Tech Centers require a dedicated physical space. If you don't have one, the STEM grants track may be a better fit.
Best Buy Foundation is particularly interested in programs connecting teens to technology career pathways and mentorship.
Best Buy often works with established youth organizations like Boys and Girls Clubs, YMCAs, or libraries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a school apply for a Teen Tech Center?
Teen Tech Centers are typically hosted by community organizations, not schools.
How much do Teen Tech Center grants cover?
Award sizes vary. Check the current RFP for specifics.
Is this for underserved communities only?
Priority is given to programs serving teens in high-need communities.
Where can we apply?
Applications are through bestbuyfoundation.org.
How can Forward Education help?
We provide curriculum alignment documents mapped to Michigan CS standards, pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support. Contact us before you apply.
Related Michigan Grants
Explore more Michigan funding resources
View all Michigan AI & CS grants →Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals. We can help you connect our tools to your grant requirements.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Michigan CS Standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing — classroom sets, bundles, and multi-site pricing
- Letters of support — documentation for grant applications
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence — ready-to-use program outlines
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