Best Buy Teen Tech Center

A place where Innovation Thrives & Teens Dream with No Limits

Bootcamps

Our bootcamps are designed to take you to the next level

Scholarships

We provide academic scholarships through our wonderful partners

Youth Workers/Internships

Youth Internships

Get hired and paid for 140 - 400 hours through work source centers

Youth Council

Join our youth council and develop your leadership skills

Mentors

Mentorship

Make an impact in the life of a youth today

Partners

Join our eco-system and we'll join forces to make a difference

Our Vision

We envision a future where all youth have access to technology, training, and mentorship to thrive, regardless of where they live. Through our partnerships, mentorship programs by industry professionals, and generous donations by our supporters, we work towards improving teen equity every day.

“I love the Teen Tech Center, and I love Thai! She has shown and taught me so much about not being scared to speak and to push forward always. I love the different programs. I took the entrepreneurship class and learned a lot about running my own business. I am going to keep attending the center.”

– Brielle Byrd

“My experience at the South LA Best Buy Teen Tech Center has been amazing! I feel comfortable with my peers, we are like a family. I like the idea of this program being part of my community because it has various attractive and fun projects for young people.”

-Paola Cruz

“My experience at the tech center was astonishing! It’s helped me grow as an individual and learn tons of new skills. I think the tech center is a vessel in the community and also, it’s brought me closer to the community I’ve grown up in. I am delighted and thankful to be part of the team as a youth worker.”

– Michael Cole

Do you want to see real community impact? Check out the video below to see more.
VSEDC's Marketing Impact Lab pairs youth content creators with small businesses to produce high-quality digital marketing assets. We then track campaign performance over 30 days, providing real-world data and insights that help businesses make smarter marketing decisions while giving young creators valuable hands-on experience and portfolios to leverage their careers.

MIL Graduation Video FINAL 5

Step inside a mission-driven hub where technology meets community. This documentary provides an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at the grassroots efforts to bridge the digital divide. It’s more than just access to hardware; it’s about how a supportive environment, expert mentorship, and innovative programming empower young people to creates clear pathways in academic achievement, entrepreneurship, and workforce development, empowering the next generation to lead in a digital economy.
Hear from the youth members (Traydell Wilson Jr., William McDonald, Nai'imah Bridges) and the Director, Technology & Innovation Thai Buckman-Jordan
Produced by the students of the Fresh Film Bootcamp, the crew collaborated on the central concept, conducted the interviews, and managed the full technical process of filming and editing. Chelsea Bo (Director, Producer, Writer, Actor, Editor) led the students on this incredible journey.
The Production Crew: A'Zoey G., Zahara M., Abraham M., Isaiah J., Sassha F., Skyler B., Brian R., Angelique P., Aaria C., and Angel M.
Song credits
apalonbeats-background-music-491429.mp3
joyinsound-motivational-corporate-background-music-403402.mp3

VSEDC SLA Best Buy Teen Tech Center Documentary in Partnership with Fresh Films

Happy Hispanic Heritage Month!
We're excited to share a beautiful conversation celebrating the stories, flavors, and love passed down through generations.
Hear from community members opening up about how food, family, and tradition connect us all, and how a little bit of innovation can keep those amazing traditions thriving.

SLA Best Buy Teen Tech Center x Fuerza Latina: Food, Family & Heritage

In partnership with TEDxInglewood, this powerful film spotlights the impact of mentorship, cutting-edge technology, and community at the VSEDC South LA Teen Tech Center.
Hear firsthand from two talented students and proud parents as they share inspiring stories of growth, creativity, and confidence. This isn’t just a tech center—it’s a movement.
See how youth are stepping in, leveling up, and discovering their voice.

TEDx Inglewood Salon "Art & Design"

VSEDC South LA Best Buy Teen Tech Center
The evening was filled with a variety of engaging activities, including singing, poetry, rapping, and personal storytelling, along with "The Conversation." Community members participated in a silent auction and had the opportunity to engage in Podcast and Back In Time VR experiences. The night concluded with a Tokyo meets South LA fashion show that seamlessly transitioned into our Marketplace, where community could purchase items created by the youth.
The music in this video was made by the youth

Black Brilliance “A Creative Expo”

Meet Candice Ferguson

Our History

2019

2020

2022

2023

Partners Align

VSEDC & Annenberg joined forces to mobilize the conception of the SLA Best Buy Teen Tech Center. The committee planned for months and aligned with the perfect investment partners to see the vision realized.

Construction Phase

Construction for the South LA BBTTC begins at VSEDC's Business Enterprise Center (BEC). The picture depicts the stage area of the tech center.

Best Buy Sets the Stage with Technology for the SLA BBTTC

To ensure the SLA BBTTC is ready to serve youth, Best Buy equips the center with a plethora of equipment and furniture to outfit the tech center.

VIP Tours

South LA BBTTC, Annenberg Foundation and 1500 Sound Academy collaborate to give students from four local high schools "first look" tours offering workshops in Music Production and a Q&A session with 1500 Sound Academy Founders.

Mural Finalized & Grand Opening of SLA Best Buy Teen Tech Center

VSEDC's South LA BBTTC had its Grand Opening in June unveiling the innovative mural on the building facing Western Ave., alongside our partners, Annenberg Foundation & Best Buy, the Mayor of Los Angeles, elected officials, sponsors, community partners, Youth Ambassadors and more.

Bootcamp Launch

After serving the community virtually through the COVID-19 pandemic, we safely opened our doors to the community for in-person engagement.

Day Instruction Programs

VSEDC's South LA BBTTC launches the first Day Instruction STEM program with Russell Westbrook Why Not? Academy in partnership with Annenberg Foundation. SLA BBTTC continues to provide on-going enrichment services to cover each school year.

Jack in the Box Scholarships

Four South LA BBTTC high school students were awarded scholarships for $2,000 each from Jack In The Box in partnership with the LA Rams Foundation. The students and their families were provided transportation to Lawry's Restaurant in Beverly Hills and honored as scholarship recipients.

YouthSource Partnerships

Through partnerships with Yo! Watts, YWCA, Brotherhood Crusade, South LA AJCC and more, South LA BBTTC hired over a dozen students that received a cumulative 1,820 hours of workforce development.

Partnership Support That Enhances Our Community

Annenberg Foundation gifts South LA BBTTC with $15k worth of equipment including, 3D and sublimation printers, heat press, sewing machines, camera equipment, cancellation headsets and more!

LAUSD & Local Community School Partnerships

Successful Day Instruction and STEAM partnerships continue to grow at the tech center with local schools, LAUSD and more. STEAM programs for students include Robotics, 3D Printing, Web Development, Fashion Design, Music Production, Content Creation, Entrepreneurship, and Animation to name a few.

Donations

Generous sponsors, partners, and families empower the tech center by graciously donating monetary donations, their time through volunteerism and in-kind gifts. We are thankful for their support.

Who can sign up?

Youth between the ages of 10-24
Alumni Chapter: 19+
Mentors: Any age

Location

South LA Best Buy Teen Tech Center
6109 S. Western Avenue
Los Angeles, CA 90047

(323) 753-2335

slatech@vsedc.org

Hours

Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday
1:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Friday
12:00 PM- 5:00 PM