Minneapolis St. Paul, Minnesota – The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, in partnership with TCL, announced an expanded partnership focused on advancing technology capital to youth through Best Buy Teen Tech Centers across Minnesota.
Through the renewed partnership with TCL, the electronics company will sponsor the TCL Big Screen Shootout fan contest at the Timberwolves games throughout the season. For every basket made, TCL donates to the Best Buy Teen Tech Centers with a goal of raising $100,000. Funds raised go to the Best Buy Teen Tech Centers to support activities such as innovative career programs, internships and scholarships. Teen Tech Centers and programs provide unprecedented access to youth in disinvested communities by connecting them with mentoring, training opportunities, and post-secondary and professional resources.
During their respective seasons, the Wolves and Lynx will work with TCL and Best Buy Teen Tech Centers to identify impactful career development opportunities. Opportunities include hearing from Timberwolves and Lynx’s guidance on the intersection of technology and sport through career development training camps, attendance at Wolves and Lynx games and tours of educational institutions related to how technology is on game day is used.
“Our partnership with TCL in collaboration with Best Buy Teen Tech Centers is critical to expanding tech access and resources in historically underserved areas,” said Ethan Casson, CEO of Timberwolves and Lynx. “We look forward to the upcoming conversations with the next generation of inspiring engineers, artists and more.”
“We are honored to partner with the Best Buy Foundation, along with the Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, to bring fun and excitement to technology. As one of the world’s leading consumer electronics brands, TCL is thrilled to nurture a passion for the technology industry among youth who depend on the resources of Best Buy Teen Tech Centers to thrive,” said Chris Hamdorf, Senior Vice President, TCL . “This partnership fits perfectly with our TCL Cares initiative, where the team’s goal is to put the same effort and energy that has helped TCL become one of America’s largest TV brands to give back to the community. Through the planned special programs and in-game activities, we not only raise funds for the Twin Cities Teen Tech Centers, but also offer young people a unique perspective on careers in tech.”
“We are grateful to our partners at the Timberwolves and Lynx and TCL for their commitment to helping us build a better future for teens in our hometown,” said Andrea Wood, vice president of social impact at Best Buy. “This collaboration will be a valuable opportunity for members of Minnesota’s Teen Tech Center to learn about and build skills for careers at the intersection of sports and technology – all in a fun and engaging environment.”
Teen Tech Centers, a Best Buy Foundation program, empowers teens to pursue their passions with access to tools for filmmaking, augmented and virtual reality, digital media, 3D design, audio engineering and more. There are currently more than 50 Best Buy Teen Tech Center locations across the United States, including nine in Minnesota.
With a range of award-winning televisions, audio products, mobile devices and home appliances, TCL prides itself on delivering meaningful experiences through the combination of thoughtful design and the latest technology. As one of the world’s largest consumer electronics brands, TCL helps bring innovation to everyone with our extensive manufacturing expertise, vertically integrated supply chain and state-of-the-art panel factory. Visit www.tcl.com for additional product information.
About Teen Tech Centers®
Best Buy Teen Tech Centers®, a program of the Best Buy Foundation, provide young people with a safe place to create, learn and explore using the latest cutting-edge technology with the support of peers and adult mentors. At each center, members develop skills for the technology-dependent jobs of the future through hands-on activities in photography, augmented and virtual reality, 3D design, and more.
More than 50 Teen Tech Centers are operating nationwide and the Best Buy Foundation has a goal of supporting 100 by 2025. To learn more about Best Buy Teen Tech Centers®, visit bestbuy.com/teentechcenter.
