Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN and Boston, MA – The Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx, in partnership with TCL announced an expanded partnership focused on advancing tech equity for youth through Best Buy Teen Tech Centers throughout Minnesota.
Through the renewed partnership with TCL, the electronics company will sponsor the “TCL Big Screen Shootout” fan contest at Timberwolves games throughout the season. For every basket made, TCL will make a donation to the Best Buy Teen Tech centers with a goal of raising $100K. The funds raised will direct proceeds to Best Buy Teen Tech Centers to support activities including innovative career programming, internships and scholarships. Teen Tech Centers and programs provide unparalleled access for youth in disinvested communities by connecting them with mentorship, training opportunities and post-secondary and career resources.
Throughout their respective seasons, the Wolves and Lynx will collaborate with TCL and Best Buy Teen Tech Centers to identify impactful career development opportunities. Opportunities include hearing from Timberwolves and Lynx leadership about the intersection of technology and sports through career development training camps, attending Wolves and Lynx games and educational facilities tours related to how technology is used on game day.
“Our partnership with TCL in collaboration with Best Buy Teen Tech Centers is critical to broadening tech access and resources in historically underserved areas,” said Timberwolves and Lynx CEO Ethan Casson. “We look forward to the conversations ahead with the next generation of inspiring tech minds, artists and more.”
“We are honored to work with the Best Buy Foundation as well as Minnesota Timberwolves and Lynx to put some fun and excitement in technology. As one of the world’s leading consumer electronics brands, TCL is thrilled to help foster passion for the tech industry amongst youth who depend on Best Buy Teen Tech Centers for resources to thrive,” said Chris Hamdorf, Senior Vice President, TCL. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our TCL Cares initiative, where the team’s goal is to put in the same effort and energy that helped TCL become one of America’s largest TV brands into giving back to the community. Through the special programs and in-game activities planned, we’re not only raising funds for the Twin Cities Teen Tech Centers, we’re also providing 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 brighter futures for teens in our hometown,” said Andrea Wood, Best Buy’s vice president of social impact. “This collaboration will be a valuable opportunity for Teen Tech Center members in Minnesota to learn about careers at the intersection of sports and tech and build skills for those careers – all in a fun and engaging environment.”
Teen Tech Centers, a program of the Best Buy Foundation, allow youth to pursue their passions with access to tools for film production, augmented and virtual reality, digital media, 3-D design, audio engineering and more. There are currently more than 50 Best Buy Teen Tech Center locations open throughout the U.S. with nine in Minnesota.
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About TCL
With a lineup of award-winning televisions, audio products, mobile devices, and appliances, TCL takes pride in delivering meaningful experiences by combining thoughtful design and the latest technology. As one of the world’s largest consumer electronics brands, our extensive manufacturing expertise, a vertically integrated supply chain, and state-of-the-art panel factory, helps TCL deliver innovation for all. For additional product information, please visit www.tcl.com.
About Teen Tech Centers®
Best Buy Teen Tech Centers®, a program of the Best Buy Foundation, provide a safe space for youth 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 tech-reliant jobs of the future through hands-on activities in photography, augmented and virtual reality, 3-D design and more.
More than 50 Teen Tech Centers are operating nationwide and the Best Buy Foundation has a goal to support 100 by 2025. To learn more about Best Buy Teen Tech Centers®, visit bestbuy.com/teentechcenter.
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