The closure of the Best Buy Teen Tech Center in Selma comes as the summer break approaches, leaving many high school students and their communities concerned about their future opportunities in the tech industry and beyond.
) - For years, the Best Buy Teen Tech Center on Wallace Community College Selma’s campus served as more than just an after-school program for teenagers.
It was a place where students explored technology, created music, learned workforce skills, competed in national competitions, and found mentorship in a city where many say opportunities for youth can be limited. Wallace Community College Selma announced the Best Buy Teen Tech Center officially ended operations on April 30 after the Best Buy Foundation notified the college last November about a “strategic shift” in its investment priorities.
The closure has left many in the community disappointed, confused, and concerned about what comes next for local teenagers — especially with summer break quickly approaching. Former employee Letti Hasberry said the center provided structure and support for students between the ages of 16 and 19.
“We did job applications, cover letters, resumes, mock interviews, business plans,” Hasberry said. “Just helping prepare them for the workforce or college. ” According to Hasberry, students attended the program after school several days a week and during the summer. She said the center gave teenagers a safe and productive environment in a city where many families are searching for more youth resources.
“There’s not that many opportunities, period, for the kids to do after-school stuff,” Hasberry said. “Now that’s one other thing that’s being taken away. ” Former employee Kaymon McGuire said the center focused heavily on mentorship and helping students turn their interests into future careers.
“What you wanted to do was find everybody’s needs, find what everybody was interested in, and invest into them on what they wanted to do,” McGuire said. McGuire says students participated in technology programs, gaming competitions, digital media projects, and scholarship opportunities. He recalled one former student, Rondoris Turner, who is now attending Alabama A&M University and working with the university’s media team after first discovering his interest in technology through the center.
“It hurts,” McGuire said about the closure. “Because a lot of people got to experience something that felt like home. ” McGuire said when word spread that funding was ending, community members and organizations stepped in hoping to help save the program.
“We ended up with six to ten letters of intent to help financially and also support in any way possible,” he said. When asked why another solution could not be found, McGuire said he did not know. With summer approaching and concerns about youth crime continuing across Selma, both former employees worry teenagers may now have even fewer positive outlets.
In a statement to WSFA 12 News, Wallace Community College Selma said the closure does not mean the school’s commitment to youth programming is ending.
“Wallace Community College Selma announces the conclusion of funding for its Best Buy Teen Tech Center, effective April 30, 2026. The college received formal notification from the Best Buy Foundation in November outlining a strategic shift in its investment priorities.
“We are deeply grateful to the Best Buy Foundation for their partnership and support over the years,’ said President Donitha Griffin. ‘The Teen Tech Center has provided invaluable opportunities for young people in our community to explore technology, build skills, and expand their horizons. “Since its inception, the Teen Tech Center has served as a hub for innovation and learning, offering Dallas County youth access to cutting-edge technology, mentorship, and hands-on experiences in digital media, STEM, and workforce readiness.
The program has made a lasting impact on students and families throughout the region.
“While this funding transition marks the end of the current Teen Tech Center model, Wallace Community College Selma remains steadfast in its mission to serve the community. “We want to assure our students, families, and partners that this is not the end of our commitment,’ Griffin added. ‘We will continue to provide meaningful programs and services to the youth of Dallas County and surrounding areas. Our focus remains on creating pathways to education, training, and opportunity.
“The college is actively exploring new partnerships and resources to sustain and expand youth programming, ensuring continued access to high-quality learning experiences. ”
Best Buy Teen Tech Center Selma Closing Strategic Shift Investment Priorities Letti Hasberry Kaymon Mcguire Mentorship Workforce Skills National Competitions Summer Break Opportunities For Youth Tech Industry
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