Career Pathways Technical Skills Partner Program

The Best Buy Foundation is inviting applications for its Career Pathways Technical Skills Partner (TSP) program to support the Best Buy Teen Tech Center Career Pathways initiative. This program targets nonprofit organizations that can deliver hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics) skills training and facilitate paid summer internships for teens aged 16-19. These services should be tailored to youth from areas of concentrated poverty and are implemented in partnership with selected Best Buy Teen Tech Centers. The initiative aims to provide participants with technical and life skills through weekly workshops, real-world projects, and substantial summer internships. The program year runs from October 1 through August 15, and includes four core components: technical skills training by the TSP, life and soft skills training by Teen Tech Center staff and partners, a culminating pre-internship project, and a 6-10 week paid internship. TSPs are expected to submit a sample curriculum and, if selected, collaborate closely with Teen Tech Center staff to align program delivery with site-specific schedules. The program emphasizes in-person instruction, industry-recognized credentials, and internships with substantial and meaningful work experiences. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with experience serving youth in informal learning settings, particularly those aged 15-19. Both external organizations and qualified Best Buy Teen Tech Center host organizations may apply. Applications that solely request supplies or funding for political, religious, or individual endeavors are not eligible. Application materials must be submitted through Submittable, the Foundation’s new grants management portal, by 5 PM Eastern on April 4, 2025. Applicants must provide comprehensive documentation, including a program overview, curriculum sample, budget details using the provided template, and specifics on geographic availability and prior experience with Teen Tech Centers. The selection process involves initial application screening, finalist designation, and a matching period during which Teen Tech Centers review potential partners through a Pathways Menu and virtual sessions. Final selections are based on alignment with program goals, geographic feasibility, and budget considerations. Grant awards are up to $70,000 per site, supporting one year of programming, and are contingent upon securing at least two paid summer internships per site. Grant notifications are expected by August 15, 2025. Recipients must submit an impact report one year after funding, detailing financial data, participant outcomes, and program insights. Additional requirements include background screening for staff and the ability to manage specialized equipment if required for programming. For inquiries, applicants can contact the Best Buy Foundation at info@bestbuyfoundation.org. Open office hours are scheduled for February 24, 2025, and applications open on February 1, 2025.