October 20, 2022 – Cheers erupted yesterday on Prospect Avenue during the grand opening celebration for the first permanent Boys & Girls Club location in northeast Oklahoma City. 

The Club features the state’s first Best Buy Teen Tech Center, powered by Jasco, which is a safe space to create, learn and explore using the latest cutting-edge technology with the support of adult mentors. Teens can pursue their passions with access to tools for photography, augmented and virtual reality, digital media, 3-D design, audio engineering and more. Jasco also donated tech accessories and charging products to enhance the tools in the center. 

“This is truly a historic occasion for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Oklahoma County,” said BGCOKC President & CEO Teena Belcik. “We are so excited to partner with Restore OKC to open this newly renovated facility that is complete with Oklahoma’s only Best Buy Teen Tech Center, powered by Jasco, and wonderful outdoor amenities. Our Northeast OKC Club will provide academic enrichment, STEAM activities, evidence-based programming, sports, mentoring and a wide variety of enrichment activities, setting our youth up for long-term success.”

Andrea Wood, Best Buy’s vice president of social impact said the center connects young people with mentorship, training opportunities and post-secondary resources to prepare them for the tech-reliant careers of the future. 

“We are proud to partner with the Boys & Girls Club to continue powering the Teen Tech Center mission of building brighter futures through tech,” said Wood. “By giving teens in Oklahoma City access to technology, mentorship and other resources, we’re supporting them as they discover new passions and possibilities.”   

Jason Trice, CEO of Jasco, said the company is committed to building the next generation of technological leaders. 

“Boys & Girls Clubs do incredible work in local communities and make a true difference in young people’s lives,” Trice said. “Jasco is honored to play a part in helping kids in northeast Oklahoma City open doors to lucrative career opportunities.”

The Club, which is in northeast Oklahoma City’s historic Black community, will serve approximately 100-150 members annually from area schools.