Inside Raleigh’s new Teen Tech Center, young creators are already building what’s next
Lenovo and Best Buy have opened a Teen Tech Center in Raleigh where students use donated Lenovo devices to develop real-world skills through design, gaming, and fabrication projects.
The Best Buy Teen Tech Center at Raleigh’s Fox Road Boys & Girls Club opened in May, immediately drawing students who used donated Lenovo computers to design products and sell creations like earrings and stickers. Within hours, one student earned over $100, demonstrating the center’s goal of turning creativity into practical skills. The space offers tools such as embroidery software, vinyl cutters, and laser cutters, allowing students to explore interests from gaming to graphic design. Staff tailor programming to student preferences, including popular titles like Rocket League and Super Smash Bros., fostering a dynamic learning environment.
The center’s most popular tool is a laser cutter, which students operate after designing on Lenovo computers. Robert Eckard, Lenovo’s Director of Consumer Product Management, emphasized the company’s belief that technology should align with young people’s imaginations. The partnership with Best Buy provides access to high-performance devices capable of handling demanding software for tasks like 3D printing and video production. Lenovo highlights that the quality of tools is essential for enabling ambitious projects in a space focused on real skills and experiences.
Lenovo’s technology supports multiple students working simultaneously on resource-intensive tasks such as graphic design and digital fabrication. The company notes that its devices meet the performance demands of these activities, allowing students to explore creative and technical projects without technical limitations. The partnership reflects Lenovo’s commitment to equipping the next generation with accessible, powerful tools for self-expression and skill development.
During the summer, the center has been particularly active, though its mission remains consistent: provide access to advanced tools, teach their purposeful use, and empower students to pursue their ideas. The collaboration with the Fox Road Boys & Girls Club aligns with Lenovo and the Best Buy Foundation’s vision of fostering technology skills for future opportunities. The young creators are already demonstrating the potential of combining creativity with opportunity, and Lenovo anticipates continued innovation from the students.