Cox Communications Announces $150,000 Grant to Boys & Girls Clubs of America
ATLANTA, April 24, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications announced today a $150,000 gift to Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) from The James M. Cox Foundation. The gift will create seven new Cox Technology Centers to help bridge the digital divide for children who have no access to a computer or Internet connection at home. Boys & Girls Club members can use the Cox Technology Centers to assist with homework, research, job searches and college preparation.
"We're proud of our long-standing partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide youth in our communities access to state-of-the-art equipment, educational software platforms and best practices for staying safe online," said Cox Communications President Pat Esser. "Collectively, we are working to ensure Club members are prepared to thrive in today's digital world."
Since 2002, Cox has contributed more than $20 million in cash and in-kind support to BGCA.
The seven Cox Technology Centers will open in the following locations:
- Boys & Girls Club of Sierra Vista, Sierra Vista, Ariz.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, San Diego, Calif.
- Boys & Girls Club of Oceanside, Oceanside, Calif.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Pensacola, Fla.
- Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, Pawtucket, R.I.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana, Lafayette, La.
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Inc., Omaha, Neb.
"To be productive citizens in the 21st century, young people need digital access for professional and academic success," said Dr. Damon A. Williams, Senior Vice President, Program, Training and Youth Development Services at BGCA. "More than 75 percent of colleges take their applications online, and nearly all Fortune 500 companies post new jobs through their websites. We are thankful for Cox Communications' continued generosity to provide Club kids with Internet access—as no one should have to apply for a job on a smartphone."
Cox is also working to bridge the digital divide through Connect2Compete, a program that offers discounted Internet service to families with children who qualify for the National Free School Lunch program. In addition to offering Essential Cox High Speed Internet service to eligible families for the significantly reduced fee, Cox includes free installation and modem rental.
The James M. Cox Foundation supports organizations in locations where Cox Enterprises and its subsidiaries operate. The company's major subsidiaries are Cox Communications, Manheim, Cox Media Group and AutoTrader Group. Cox Enterprises' national consumer brands are AutoTrader.com, Kelley Blue Book, Savings.com and Valpak.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.
Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for seven years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 100 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, more than 4,000 Clubs serve nearly 4 million young people annually through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. They provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun, friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more at http://www.bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.
About The James M. Cox Foundation
The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises' founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio's first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States.
The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including: conservation and environment; early childhood education; empowering families and individuals for success; and health.
Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140423/77642
SOURCE Cox Communications
Share this article