Connecticut Welcomes Its First Teen Tech Center

The Wilson-Gray YMCA Partners with The Clubhouse Network and Best Buy to Open Center in Hartford

We recently welcomed our newest partner to The Clubhouse Network.  On April 23, the Best Buy Teen Tech Center at the Wilson-Gray YMCA in Hartford held its grand opening. As a member of The Clubhouse Network, this center joins our international community of more than 100 Clubhouses located in 18 countries, providing youth with life-changing opportunities for 25 years. This Teen Tech Center is the first in Connecticut.

Hartford Mayor Luke Bronin attended to lend his support. The Mayor said, “The north end of Hartford—and the Wilson-Gray YMCA—are exactly the right place for this Teen Tech Center. Thank you to Best Buy, The Clubhouse Network, and everyone who has made this possible.”

“It’s an honor to welcome the Wilson-Gray YMCA in Hartford to The Clubhouse Network,” said Gail Breslow, Executive Director. “I’m thrilled that such a strong local community organization is taking the lead in providing a warm, welcoming learning space for teens to express themselves creatively, build skills, and prepare themselves for the future.”

We want to encourage kids to be creative; to not to just consume, but learn how to produce.

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. “We want to encourage kids to be creative; to not to just consume, but learn how to produce,” said Anthony Barrett, Executive Director of the Wilson-Gray YMCA. “We’re big on trying to make sure kids are learning the entrepreneurial mindset, learning how to be creative, and learning to build in collaboration.”

See photos from the Grand Opening

The Clubhouse Network and Best Buy are grateful for the partnership and support of local sponsors including Moser Pilon Nelson Architects who donated architectural and interior design services for this project.

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.