Best Buy Launches Geek Squad Academy in Canada

Youth program designed to inspire and educate through the use of technology is accepting applications for 2015 season until May 15

Announcement Highlights:

• Geek Squad Academy partners with non-profit organizations and schools to offer a fun and interactive program for youth to explore the latest and greatest in technology through guided, hands-on experience.
• Classes are taught by local Geek Squad Agents from Best Buy stores, spanning topics such as Robotics, Digital Music, 3D Printing, and more.
• Apply online to host a Geek Squad Academy camp – Applications for 2015 accepted until May 15.

BURNABY, BC, April 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Best Buy is proud to announce the official launch of Geek Squad Academy in Canada. Introduced as part of Best Buy Canada's community investment pillar, the success of Geek Squad Academy is in its partnerships with local non-profit organizations and schools to teach youth aged 10-14 years about the latest technology in a fun, interactive environment.

Now accepting submissions for its inaugural 2015 season, Geek Squad Academy is encouraging schools and non-profits alike to apply online at www.bestbuy.ca/geeksquadacademy. Please note that applications for the 2015 season of Geek Squad Academy will be accepted until May 15, 2015.

"We're thrilled to bring Geek Squad Academy to Canada as part of our community investment expansion into STEM," says Karen Arsenault, Community Relations Manager, Best Buy Canada. "Technology is an area of expertise that's coveted among Canadian employers, with about 70 per cent of Canada's top jobs requiring tech-based skills. This number will undoubtedly grow and we are proud to help set up students for success by offering them the opportunity to explore careers in technology starting from a young age."

Geek Squad Academy features classes that are conducted by local Geek Squad Agents from Best Buy stores, and lessons span a range of topics including Digital Citizenship, Robotics, 3D Printing, and Film Production. To learn more about Geek Squad Academy and watch a program in action, check out the Best Buy Canada YouTube page. 

About Geek Squad Academy:

Almost a decade ago, several enterprising Geek Squad Agents in the United States piloted programs in the Midwest to teach high school students how to build their own computers using parts donated by Best Buy and its customers. A female Double Agent took a look at the landscape of this local technical education market and noticed something – none of these programs were designed for young women. She decided to change this, and in Chicago in the summer of 2007, weekend PC builds were replaced with a week-long technology camp for girls and the first Geek Squad Academy was born.

Since the first camp, Geek Squad Academy has expanded to more and more markets, and now camps include both young men and young women ranging in age from 10 to 18. Partnering with various non-profits in the United States, Best Buy has brought camps to over 70 cities across the US and impacted thousands of Junior Agents.

In 2015, Best Buy is now brining Geek Squad Academy up north. Our first camp took place at Best Buy Canada's corporate head office in March of this year, and we look forward to continuing to grow this program here in Canada.

About Best Buy Canada Community Investment
Best Buy Canada's community investment strives to connect youth with technology to inspire, motivate and empower their education through programs such as Tech Lab grants, Boys and Girls Clubs Scholarships and numerous other donations and partnerships. At the local level, Best Buy store teams, along with Geek Squad agents, partner with various schools and youth organizations to provide kids with access to technology to enhance their learning. For more information, visit BestBuy.ca.

SOURCE Best Buy Canada

Media contact: Danielle Jang, Communications Manager, [email protected], 604-412-1880