(Image Credit: Jett Schwaier/CHAT News)

By Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat Public School Division

Best Buy’s Geek Squad Academy brings robotic workshop to students in Medicine Hat

Mar 20, 2026 | 5:25 PM

Students from Dr. Roy Wilson Learning Centre in Medicine Hat spent a day off from regular classes exploring coding and robotics through a hands-on workshop on March 20, 2026.

The program was made possible by a partnership between the Medicine Hat Public School Division and Best Buy’s Geek Squad Academy.

The academy is a hands-on learning program where members from Best Buy stores teach children ages 10-16 the latest technology through fun, interactive workshops, including specialized robotics kits through coding challenges and problem-solving activities.

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Dave Van Leeuwen, the educational technology coach with the school division, said the workshop offers students a valuable opportunity to engage in hands-on learning that isn’t always available in the classroom.

“Anytime that kids get to wrestle with the problem and try to solve something, that is fantastic for their brains,” Van Leeuwen said.

Students participating in the workshop were able to learn basic coding commands and apply them to control small robots, guiding them through obstacle courses and even drawing shapes.

“They’re struggling to make it through some mazes and getting some great success, which is fantastic,” Van Leeuwen said.

“Whenever we can give a chance to kids to learn, it’s great, and wonderful that Best Buy is helping us out, and being able to offer this learning on a day when normally we wouldn’t be able to.”

Van Leeuwen said the partnership with Best Buy allows both students and educators to access new technology and expertise, while also exposing students to potential career paths in the tech sector.

A student at the school, Calico Jones, said the program provided an opportunity, particularly in coding and technology.

“It was a really great opportunity for guys and girls to all learn a little bit more about coding that we couldn’t just in our own school environment,” Jones said.

The workshop was open to students involved in STEM-focused programming and aimed to encourage participants to step outside their comfort zones while building new skills.

Van Leeuwen said the strong engagement from students shows the value of interactive learning, noting the program combines education with an element of fun that keeps students motivated.

“They love that kind of challenge. Every kid here is right into it, really engaged, so it’s fantastic,” Van Leeuwen said.