Best Buy Canada program designed to inspire and educate is now accepting applications for 2016 season
BURNABY, BC, Feb. 23, 2016 /CNW/ - Best Buy Canada, is proud to announce the return of Geek Squad Academy to Canada for the second year. Geek Squad Academy pairs non-profit organizations and schools with local Geek Squad Agents from Best Buy stores to offer hands-on technology classes, at no charge, to youth ages 10-14 around topics including Digital Citizenship, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Digital Music. Through Geek Squad Academy, youth are introduced to a wide variety of roles technology might play in their future career opportunities in a fun and interactive setting.
Applications for the 2016 season are now being accepted online at www.bestbuy.ca/geeksquadacademy until Thursday March 17, 2016. Schools and non-profit organizations who share Best Buy Canada's focus of fostering technology-based education for youth are encouraged to apply.
"The success of Geek Squad Academy is in its partnerships with local non-profit organizations and schools," says Andrea MacBeth, Community Relations Manager, Best Buy Canada. "In our first year, we partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs, schools and even a public library, and the feedback from our partners, the youth who attended the camps and our Geek Squad Agents was nothing but positive. We are excited to grow the program to give back to more communities and introduce even more kids to the possibilities of technology."
While attending Geek Squad Academy, youth will learn:
- the basic foundation for computer programming incorporating robotics;
- their responsibilities as digital citizens, including understanding the long-term effects of their online interactions;
- how to use some of the most popular music creation software by working together to create and mix music; and,
- CAD skills by exploring the tools inside SketchUp to design their own three-dimensional models that can be made with a 3D printer.
Opening doors to a future career in technology is key as 70% of Canada's top jobs require tech-based skills. Learning how to be innovative, creative, and adaptive to technology is essential for today's youth to take advantage of these opportunities.
Geek Squad Academy is one of several national Best Buy Canada community investment initiatives that provide young Canadians with opportunities to get inspired, motivated and feel empowered about their education through access to technology and aim to help reduce the digital and economic divide for youth.
To learn more about Geek Squad Academy and watch a program in action, check out the program website.
About Best Buy
As a wholly owned subsidiary of Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY), Best Buy Canada Ltd. is one of Canada's largest and most successful omni-channel retailers, operating the Best Buy, Best Buy Mobile and Geek Squad (www.geeksquad.ca) brands. With nearly 200 Best Buy and Best Buy Mobile stores across Canada, and an expanded assortment of lifestyle products offered through BestBuy.ca, Best Buy is a leader in Total Retail, catering to customers how, when, and where they want to shop. Best Buy Canada is committed to making a positive impact in the community with programs and partnerships that support youth to connect with technology to advance their education. For more information visit BestBuy.ca.
SOURCE Best Buy Canada
Media contact: Joy Diebolt, Corporate Communications Manager, [email protected], 604.412.1281
Share this article