Investing in our future
On Wednesday, February 25, 2026 in celebration of Black History Month, VSEDC’s Best Buy Teen Tech Center buzzed with more than just technology—it was filled with the sounds of future leaders exhibiting the blueprint to their success. Our recent showcase highlighted the inspirational impact of academic support, workforce development, entrepreneurship, peer-to-peer learning, and the power of mentorship.
The event was a beautiful reminder that when we invest in our youth, we build a legacy of community and promise.
Honoring our scholars
One of the highlights of the evening was celebrating our youth’s academic achievements. Our Teen Tech Center, which opened in 2022, has now surpassed $200,000 in academic scholarships awarded to students attending prestigious institutions like Howard, Tuskegee, Morehouse, UNLV, and more.
A massive congratulations to some of the previous recipients of the UNCF Best Buy Scholarship:
- Jordan Young
- Jayden Givens
- Sydney Ford
- Lance Johnson
These particular teen tech alumni even sent in heartfelt videos from their respective campuses, sharing how the Tech Center and the scholarships they received from the program paved the way for their current college success.
“It was an honor to be part of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center’s Black History Month celebration recognizing the incredible achievements of young people. Being invited to speak about my cousin, Lance Johnson, and his success as a recipient of the UNCF Best Buy scholarship made the moment even more special,” said attendee Brian Stevenson.
Vocational, workforce and entrepreneurial wins
Our students also made remarkable progress in developing workforce and entrepreneurship skills. VSEDC Business Advisor and President of the Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown, Terry Gubaton, awarded vocational stipends to five students to support the next steps in their professional journeys:
- Kaniah Smith, the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies, will purchase a professional hooded hair dryer to expand her growing hair design business.
- Ziyon Taylor, a talented commercial artist, will purchase high-end digital art tools to enhance his tablet-based creations.
- Julio Alvarado and Anayah Gaines, who design, produce, and sell their own fashion pieces, will invest in embroidery machines to elevate their fashion lines.
- William McDonald received support to continue his HVAC certification apprenticeship.
Beyond the awards, our youth shared powerful reflections on their personal growth as they build life-changing workforce skills through mentorship and professional guidance at the Tech Center. Kenneth spoke about mastering 3D printing while strengthening his time management skills, while Jahvoree shared how he has learned to “walk in the room” confidently as his own brand.
Aelicia and Phillip reflected on stepping outside of their comfort zones, embracing collaboration, and gaining confidence in professional settings, including job interviews.
The event also highlighted past pitch competition winners, showcasing their incredible ability to move from ideation to business plans and ultimately to real products and services connected to their small businesses.
The Youth Market: Entrepreneurship in Action
The “Market” portion of the event allowed our youth to showcase their branding and sales skills:
- Ziyon Taylor hosted an impressive Art Exhibition, called Tobashi, debuting his own graphic designs on canvases, coffee mugs, and t-shirts.
- Julio Alvarado displayed his Kahsmeir line featuring silk screen t-shirts with his signature style.
- Kaniah Smith shared her “8 Steps to a Fabulous Ponytail” tutorial, showing folks how to “glow-up!”
- Tanisha Swain sold custom-designed hats that will make you do a double take, through her brand, Sewni.
- William & Philip wowed the crowd with products made by 3D printing such as cell phone cases, headphone stands, gumball machines, and vases.
- And a collective of youth made witty show-stopping stickers that caught the eye of everyone in attendance.
A heartfelt ‘thank you’
We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the Terry Gubaton and the Rotary Club of Historic Filipinotown, our dedicated staff, and everyone who attended and purchased items. Your support directly funds the youth, empowering them as viable creators, not just consumers. This helps fuel the Tech Center’s activities and keeps our space a safe haven for innovation.
Special thanks to the talented, Anayah Gaines for setting the tone early with a commanding monologue from “Hidden Figures,” and our incredible vocal instructor, Candy Ferguson, for delivering a powerful closing performance that brought the evening to a memorable finale.
We also want to extend heartfelt appreciation to our Teen Tech Center gurus, Thai Buckman-Jordan, Director of Technology & Innovation, and Carmen Cortez, Program Coordinator who work with our youth daily and whose dedication and guidance help make opportunities like this possible. Their hard work and coordination—alongside the Youth Committee, made this inspiring event a success.
Support Our Mission: You can continue to support our students by purchasing Tech Center merchandise, including stickers, mugs, t-shirts and art designs by visiting the tech center, located at 6109 S. Western Ave., Los Angeles, between 1pm-5pm on Thursdays.
You can also make a donation to VSEDC’s Teen Tech Center directly and support the broader organization. Every bit helps us continue “doing it all”—from academic futures, workforce development, entrepreneurship and supporting small businesses and families.
Stay Connected: Follow the journey on Instagram: @southlatech
VSEDC’s South LA Teen Tech Center is supported by generous grants from the Best Buy Foundation, Annenberg Foundation, Parsons Foundation, Century Housing, and generous donors, like you.
