By Ruby Durham
Inside the McCrorey YMCA off Beatties Ford Road, amidst the clang of weights, splashing water and bouncing basketballs, lies a melting pot for young adults to learn, create and dream big by using cutting-edge technology and resources.
“If I had to describe the center to a teen who had an interest in technology, I would say the Best Buy Teen Tech Center is the second-best place next to Disney World,” said Christian Burgess, a rising Junior at Phillip O. Berry Academy Of Technology.
The Best Buy Teen Tech Center is equipped with everything from a recording studio, green screen, 3D Printer, MAC desktops, Cricut machines and Adobe Creative Stations.
“Our Tech Center has been a huge success as we’ve served around 1,000 students since opening in 2023,” said TayTiana Bryant, Best Buy Teen Tech Center Coordinator.
The innovative program was designed for teenagers between 13-18 years old and completely free, thanks to a partnership through the Best Buy Foundation, the Clubhouse Network and Charlotte’s Atrium Health.
“I’ve seen some of the teens come in here very quiet — not talking to anyone and then overtime branch out and build relationships through what they are learning together,” Bryant said.
The Clubhouse Network has more than 100 clubhouses in 20 different countries. The mission is to provide a safe place outside of school for young people from underserved communities to identify, explore and create new skills, build confidence and pursue dreams through the use of technology.
The Best Buy Tech Center at McCrorey YMCA is the only one of its kind in North Carolina and you do not have to be a YMCA member to get involved.
“I just started going to the Tech Center this summer and it is actually a very fun place to hang out,” said Aisha Saho, a Hopewell High School Rising Sophomore. “I’ve made my own bracelets, crafted my first scented candle (where I chose the scent and color), beautiful earrings using UV Resin and glitter for the first time and designed my own
T-shirt using Cricut Design Space.”
Beyond working on individual projects, participants receive mentorship, training and workshops with the support of the Clubhouse Network.
Every two years the Clubhouse Network hosts a Clubhouse Teen Summit where teens from clubhouses around the world come together to showcase what they have created.
To push the needle even further, Best Buy offers internships and creates challenges for teens involved in the tech centers to win cash prizes and also be featured in Best Buy Stores.
“It’s fascinating to see how the young people involved progress in their journey,” said Natalie Ramsey, YMCA of Greater Charlotte Director of Communications & PR. “Kids drive from across town to come here because there is no other place where they can get this hands-on work with the technology at no cost.”
The Best Buy Teen Tech Center at McCrorey is open all year-round, Monday through Saturday. Each spring and fall participants have the opportunity to showcase creations to the community.
“We are looking for more volunteers and mentors that work with youth and technology,” Bryant said. “We would also love the opportunity to collaborate with businesses in the community that can help those in the program elevate their skills even more.”