The need for our students to be technologically literate isn’t much up for debate these days. Given the current nature of the world and the propulsion for ever advancing technologies, students need to know how to navigate through this environment. I’m not arguing for education technology to be accessible for all age groups, merely that once students move from school into the workforce they will inevitably have need for various technological uses and need to be prepared for this in advance.

Best Buy is expanding their afterschool tech program, increasing its number of tech centers from 11 to 60. These tech centers provide the opportunity for underprivileged children to become better proficient in working with various technologies. Through this learning experience Best Buy not only hopes to create future workers to help customers troubleshoot more advanced technological issues, but more importantly, to encourage the development of future innovators. As Laura Bishop, Best Buy’s chief corporate responsibility officer stated, “It’s not about getting them into the store, but getting the next thing in the store.” The company also offers post-high school mentorship programs and will be expanding its Geek Squad Academy summer camps. Full Story HERE.

Based on the world’s current trajectory I think we can expect more technology companies to become increasingly involved in the education sector, perhaps placing their financial focus in afterschool programs that groom future technological innovators of the future.