Empowering Youth Through STEM, Esports & Tech - Lenovo & BGCA
For today’s youth, technology represents more than just a tool—it serves as a vital gateway to connection, education, and personal development. Whether it’s through immersive STEM experiences or the dynamic world of esports, hands-on learning opportunities give young people the chance to connect, think critically, and begin exploring future career options. With this in mind, Lenovo joined forces with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to deliver innovative STEM programs and provide access to the latest technology in ways that truly engage young learners.
One of the highlights of this partnership was the second annual Tackling STEM event held on March 12th. Partnering with the Dallas Cowboys and Science of Sport, the initiative brought over 150 youth from the Dallas area together for an exciting, hands-on exploration of how science and sports intersect.
Participants got the chance to run football drills alongside Dallas Cowboys players such as Cooper Beebe, Jalen Brooks, Buddy Johnson, Ryan Flournoy, Princeton Fant, Brevyn Spann-Ford, and Kelvin Harmon. As they engaged in stations focused on passing, catching, and kicking, they also discovered how STEM principles are applied in real sports scenarios. The event aimed to inspire a lasting interest in STEM by merging the excitement of athletics with educational insight.
But Lenovo’s collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs of America isn’t limited to single-day events. Since 2017, the organizations have worked together on initiatives that expand access to technology—especially through esports. In response to decreased teen engagement during the pandemic, Lenovo equipped dozens of Clubs nationwide with the resources to build out successful esports programs.
Esports, now a booming industry, has become a powerful way to reach teens. Lenovo saw this as an opportunity to foster both social and technical development in an environment where teens feel engaged and empowered. Aligned with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s mission to help all young people—especially those facing challenges—reach their full potential, this initiative is opening doors to new opportunities for learning and growth.
Real-life success stories reflect the impact of this ongoing partnership:
Isaac’s path to professional sports photography
At just 16, Isaac from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas is well on his way to pursuing his dream career. His journey began at age 13, when he won a Club photo contest and attended a photography bootcamp that ignited his passion. In 2024, he was invited to photograph the Tackling STEM event, capturing the excitement of over 150 youth exploring how sports and STEM intersect.
“Sports photography is all about motion and storytelling—you can’t take a wrong shot,” Isaac shared. “I’m thankful to my Club for giving me incredible opportunities like this.” With Lenovo-provided devices, he’s also been able to dive into video production and editing, further expanding his creative skills.
Esports growth in Rockford, Illinois
In Rockford, IL, the local Boys & Girls Club has experienced a dramatic shift thanks to its esports program. What began with only a few interested teens has grown into a thriving community of around 30 daily participants. With support from Lenovo Legion gaming equipment, the Club now has a waitlist for its popular program.
One teen, Aidan, was introduced to the Club through esports and soon won a national tournament in his favorite game, Super Smash Bros. His prize? A Lenovo Legion Go, which now powers his livestreams and future goals to pursue esports in college. He looks up to Jeremy, a former Club member who earned an esports scholarship and now mentors others.
A partnership that’s shaping the future
The collaboration between Lenovo and Boys & Girls Clubs of America is about more than technology or events—it’s about empowering youth to explore their passions and reach their potential. From photography to gaming, STEM to mentorship, this initiative continues to create meaningful pathways for young people across the country.
One of the highlights of this partnership was the second annual Tackling STEM event held on March 12th. Partnering with the Dallas Cowboys and Science of Sport, the initiative brought over 150 youth from the Dallas area together for an exciting, hands-on exploration of how science and sports intersect.
Participants got the chance to run football drills alongside Dallas Cowboys players such as Cooper Beebe, Jalen Brooks, Buddy Johnson, Ryan Flournoy, Princeton Fant, Brevyn Spann-Ford, and Kelvin Harmon. As they engaged in stations focused on passing, catching, and kicking, they also discovered how STEM principles are applied in real sports scenarios. The event aimed to inspire a lasting interest in STEM by merging the excitement of athletics with educational insight.
But Lenovo’s collaboration with Boys & Girls Clubs of America isn’t limited to single-day events. Since 2017, the organizations have worked together on initiatives that expand access to technology—especially through esports. In response to decreased teen engagement during the pandemic, Lenovo equipped dozens of Clubs nationwide with the resources to build out successful esports programs.
Esports, now a booming industry, has become a powerful way to reach teens. Lenovo saw this as an opportunity to foster both social and technical development in an environment where teens feel engaged and empowered. Aligned with Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s mission to help all young people—especially those facing challenges—reach their full potential, this initiative is opening doors to new opportunities for learning and growth.
Real-life success stories reflect the impact of this ongoing partnership:
Isaac’s path to professional sports photography
At just 16, Isaac from the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas is well on his way to pursuing his dream career. His journey began at age 13, when he won a Club photo contest and attended a photography bootcamp that ignited his passion. In 2024, he was invited to photograph the Tackling STEM event, capturing the excitement of over 150 youth exploring how sports and STEM intersect.
“Sports photography is all about motion and storytelling—you can’t take a wrong shot,” Isaac shared. “I’m thankful to my Club for giving me incredible opportunities like this.” With Lenovo-provided devices, he’s also been able to dive into video production and editing, further expanding his creative skills.
Esports growth in Rockford, Illinois
In Rockford, IL, the local Boys & Girls Club has experienced a dramatic shift thanks to its esports program. What began with only a few interested teens has grown into a thriving community of around 30 daily participants. With support from Lenovo Legion gaming equipment, the Club now has a waitlist for its popular program.
One teen, Aidan, was introduced to the Club through esports and soon won a national tournament in his favorite game, Super Smash Bros. His prize? A Lenovo Legion Go, which now powers his livestreams and future goals to pursue esports in college. He looks up to Jeremy, a former Club member who earned an esports scholarship and now mentors others.
A partnership that’s shaping the future
The collaboration between Lenovo and Boys & Girls Clubs of America is about more than technology or events—it’s about empowering youth to explore their passions and reach their potential. From photography to gaming, STEM to mentorship, this initiative continues to create meaningful pathways for young people across the country.
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