Best Buy Teen Tech Center Career Pathways Program

The BBTTC Career Pathways Program provides selected youth the opportunity to focus on a specific area of technology (e.g., web development, 3D design, video production and graphic design), to develop their workforce readiness skills and gain real-world work experience through job shadowing and a paid internship placement. Staff guides the participants through the 12-month program providing college and career guidance. This program is offered free of charge to Gold Crown Clubhouse members and interested young adults, 16-20 years of age.

Exploration Phase (October - December): Participants embark upon a journey of self-discovery, exploring their place in the broader world. These three months are dedicated to sparking their curiosity and assisting them in visualizing how their individual talents and passions might translate into impactful careers. The exploration surpasses the identification of career interests; it serves as a period for crafting personal mission statements that reflect their individual aspirations and values. This individualized guidance is instrumental in helping participants chart a course for their future that aligns with their interests and is grounded in achievable and realistic objectives. By fostering a deep understanding of themselves and their potential care

Project Phase (January - May): In the spirit of entrepreneurship, teens are determined to tackle social issues affecting their community and beyond. Recognizing the disparities in healthcare, education, housing, and wealth access, they’ve united to make a difference through an Equity campaign focused on food. The initiative revolves around the power of food to unite and nurture cultural bonds. The awareness campaign is centered on intergenerational cultural recipes to celebrate our shared humanity. A student-produced podcast will highlight interviews with elders, city leaders, and policymakers to shed light on the importance of food equity. Additionally, students will create a recipe publication and website and support merchandise to push their campaign further. The group’s efforts will culminate in a vibrant Block Party at Memorial Park in Edgewater and the Gold Crown Clubhouse on Friday, April 26th. Join us to explore new flavors, appreciate cultural diversity, and foster an understanding of food equity. Together, let's ignite awareness and advocate for a more equitable future.

Workforce Development (June - August): Through 120-hour paid summer internships spanning various sectors, such as health, technology, arts, engineering, business, marketing, public policy, and more. More than just facilitating employment, the program places a strong emphasis on workforce readiness and development. Before beginning their internships, youth explore crucial topics, including resume writing, financial literacy

Career Pathways Program program matches youth with 120 hour paid summer internship opportunities in areas of interest including health, the arts, technology, marketing, architecture, engineering, business, nonprofit administration, and more! Successful summer internship placements begin by meeting with the Career Pathways Facilitator to identify potential roles/responsibilities for youth interns. Once placed, interns will begin to support host organization and businesses with day to-day-tasks and help their employer meet larger, organization-wide goals.