Alabama Welcomes First Teen Tech Center | Global STEM After School Program

Wallace Community College Selma Partners with The Clubhouse Network, Best Buy, and Former NFL Player Michael Johnson to Open Center in Selma

We recently welcomed our newest partner to The Clubhouse Network. On August 27, The Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Wallace Community College Selma held its grand opening. As a member of The Clubhouse Network, this center joins our community of more than 100 Clubhouses located in 19 countries, providing youth with life-changing opportunities for more than 25 years. This Teen Tech Center is the first in Alabama and the first to be located on a community college campus.

“It’s an honor to welcome the Wallace Community College Selma to The Clubhouse Network,” said Gail Breslow, Executive Director. “We’re thrilled to be working with such strong local community organizations in partnership with Best Buy to establish warm and welcoming learning spaces for teens to express themselves creatively.”

Like other Clubhouses and Teen Tech Centers, these new spaces offer teens access to technology for programming, film making, music production, graphic design, and more, with the support of adult staff and mentors who serve as role models.

“What we really see this center as is a safe space for kids to come in and learn about different technology they’ve never seen before,” said Adam Pettway, Teen Tech Center Coordinator.

“The center will be more than just a safe place for the youth to come but a home for them to come and feel cared for and nurtured.”

See Photos from the Grand Opening

The Clubhouse Network, Best Buy, and the Alabama Community College System are grateful for the partnership and support of additional local sponsors including the MJ 93-90 Foundation. Founded by veteran NFL player Michael Johnson, the foundation is dedicated to supporting youth through education, technology, and mentoring.

Across the country, many communities lack support and access to the tools and experiences that can unlock a better future and prepare teens for the challenges ahead. Since 2012, Best Buy has partnered with The Clubhouse Network to bring Best Buy Teen Tech Centers to 29 different U.S. cities, with a plan to launch 60 by 2020. As members of The Clubhouse Network, Teen Tech Centers embrace The Network’s mission and learning model.

Get involved by becoming a mentor, a sponsor, or by supporting the Network.

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