Best Buy Canada has launched its Geek Squad Academy nationwide to teach kids everything from internet safety to Lego robotics.
Based on a similar program that was launched in the U.S. in 2007 and has been held there in more than 70 cities, the Geek Squad Academy teaches “technology in a fun and interactive environment” to 10- to-14-year-olds, says Karen Arsenault, community relations manager at Best Buy Canada in Burnaby, B.C.
“We were definitely looking to expand our community initiatives,” says Arsenault. “We thought this was a great way for us to build on something that was successful in the U.S., rather than reinventing the wheel.”
The day-long camps use guided, hands-on experience to teach kids about digital citizenship (internet safety and bullying), 3D printing, Lego robotics and digital music.
The Canada-wide rollout comes on the heels of a pilot program earlier this year held at Best Buy’s head office that involved more than 70 kids from the Burnaby Boys and Girls Club.
After a successful pilot, Best Buy launched an application program, which was promoted online and on social media and through school board and non-profit contacts. The program received 156 applications and four were chosen for Geek Squad Academy this year. The Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa hosted the first Geek Squad Academy, while upcoming camps this year are planned in St. Albert, Alberta, Brantford, Ont. and Winnipeg.
Classes are given by employees or Geek Squad Agents from local Best Buy stores who are taught the curriculum the day before the camps. “It’s a great employee engagement piece for our people,” Arsenault says. “Employees really love doing something a little bit different from what they normally would do on a regular basis.”
Each camp has about 15 to 25 kids, who become Junior Agents.
Arsenault says the aim is to focus on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math)-based learning, given the growing importance of technology in the workforce.
The program is being promoted via in-store messaging and through the Best Buy website.
