The new Teen Tech Center at the Linwood YMCA/James B. Nutter Community Center will give youth the opportunity to get hands-on technology training and mentoring. To celebrate, the Y hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony open to the community on Wednesday, May 11, at the Linwood location, 3800 E. Linwood Boulevard, Kansas City, Mo., 64138.
The Teen Tech Center is a fun, interactive learning space where youth in grades 5-12 can develop workforce skills and college readiness through hands-on activities to explore their interests in programming, coding, e-sports and gaming proficiency, music production and design.
The Teen Tech Center was made possible thanks to donations from Nebraska Furniture Mart, Kansas City Chiefs, Kansas City Credit Union and the Linwood YMCA Community Mission Board.
The center works to address digital inequities by giving youth access to tech education opportunities, relationships that help to build confidence, and a foundation for school and career success.
The interactive space and the equipment is free for young people to use, and a YMCA membership is not required. No previous experience is needed prior to visiting and using the equipment.
“We are so grateful to Nebraska Furniture Mart for their support to increase access to technology experiences that could lead to future career success for our youth,” said Andre Sigler Jr., associate executive director of the Linwood YMCA. “It’s just one example of the Y’s commitment to youth development and making sure all youth have the resources they need to reach their fullest potential.”
The celebration on May 11 included remarks from Y leaders, volunteers, youth and teens; a ceremonial ribbon cutting; and tours.
The Teen Tech Center is open 2-6 p.m. during the school year for students enrolled in the Linwood Y’s after school program. During the summer, the Teen Tech Center is open to all ages of students from noon-6 p.m. Students in grades 4th and under may use the Teen Tech Center accompanied by an adult in the summer.
For more information, contact the Linwood YMCA at 816.923.5675.