Florida · National Grant

Best Buy Foundation: Teen Tech Centers & STEM Grants (Florida)

Best Buy Foundation funds Teen Tech Centers and STEM education grants at Boys and Girls Clubs and community organizations across the U.S., providing technology, curriculum, and mentorship for underserved teens in Florida communities.

Funding

$10,000–$100,000 (program support)

Eligibility

Nonprofits with youth programs, Boys and Girls Clubs

Grade Focus

6-12

Subject

Technology / CS / STEM

Deadline

Annual (check bestbuyfoundation.org)

Type

National Grant

About This Grant

Best Buy Foundation is committed to expanding technology education for teens from low-income communities. Its flagship program — Teen Tech Centers — transforms Boys and Girls Clubs and community organizations into technology learning hubs equipped with computers, VR gear, music production equipment, and coding tools. Florida has multiple Teen Tech Centers in Miami, Tampa, Orlando, and other communities.

Beyond Teen Tech Centers, Best Buy Foundation also makes education grants to organizations providing technology enrichment for underserved youth. Florida nonprofits serving teens with CS, coding, or digital skills programs can apply for this funding. The foundation prioritizes programs where teens learn to create with technology — building games, apps, websites, and digital media — not just consume it.

Best Buy's retail presence across Florida means the company has genuine community ties in most major Florida markets. Applications from organizations in communities near Best Buy stores — which covers most of Florida — can reference that local connection and potential for employee volunteer engagement.

View Best Buy Foundation: Teen Tech Centers & STEM Grants (Florida) →

Eligibility

U.S. nonprofits serving teens (ages 13-18) from low-income communities
Boys and Girls Clubs and youth-serving organizations in Florida
Programs focused on technology creation, coding, or digital skills for underserved teens
Organizations with established youth programming infrastructure and staff

Allowable Uses

Physical computing hardware (coding kits, micro:bits, robotics)
CS and AI literacy curriculum
Teacher professional development
Digital media production tools, gaming equipment, and music technology

Forward Education Products for This Grant

Forward Education offers classroom-ready kits that align with Florida CS standards and fit cleanly into grant budgets. All kits include teacher guides and curriculum.

micro:bit Starter Kit — Entry-level physical computing, perfect for introducing coding and computational thinking.
MicroChat AI Literacy Kit — Hands-on AI literacy curriculum covering machine learning concepts for K-12 classrooms.
Coding for Good Kit — Project-based learning kit connecting coding skills to real-world community challenges.
micro:bit Robotics Kit — Advanced robotics and engineering challenges for deeper CS exploration.

Keep in Mind

Best Buy specifically wants teens creating with technology — music, games, apps, digital art. Frame your program around creation, not consumption.
Teen Tech Center grants are competitive; establish a strong partnership with Boys and Girls Clubs of America if you don't already have one.
Best Buy employee volunteers can enhance your program — mention openness to employee engagement in your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Best Buy only fund Boys and Girls Clubs?

Best Buy has a strong relationship with Boys and Girls Clubs but also funds other nonprofits. Organizations with strong track records in teen technology education can apply.

What age group does Best Buy Foundation serve?

Best Buy focuses on teens, typically ages 13-18. Programs serving middle and high school-aged youth are most competitive.

Can a school apply to Best Buy Foundation?

Schools can apply, but community nonprofits are typically the strongest applicants given Best Buy's out-of-school focus.

Does Best Buy Foundation fund physical computing kits?

Yes. Hardware for hands-on tech learning is fundable. The key is framing it as a tool for teen creation and skill-building, not just a kit on a shelf.

How can Forward Education help?

We provide curriculum alignment documents mapped to Florida CS standards, pricing letters for grant budgets, and letters of support for qualifying applications. Reach out before you apply.