Cox Communications Provides Donation to Upgrade Technology Centers at Boys & Girls Clubs throughout the Country

ATLANTA, June 25, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- At a ceremony with elected officials and community leaders, Cox Communications celebrated the opening of the new Boys & Girls Club Technology Center located at the Jackie Boys & Girls Club in Lafayette, La. This is one of 12 Boys & Girls Club Technology Centers funded by $300,000 in grants from Cox Communications and The James M. Cox Foundation.

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"Our partnership with Cox is important in today's society, where a child's success in life may be determined by their exposure to technology. The computers and other assistance by Cox provide a means for Boys & Girls Clubs to close the technological achievement gap for many disadvantaged youth. We greatly value that partnership," said Chris Martin, chief professional officer for Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana.

The Technology Centers are the centerpiece of Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA)'s technology program, which provides students access to curricula to advance their computer literacy skills. They also help bridge the gap for kids who have no access to a cell phone, computer or Internet connection at home. Boys & Girls Club members, ages 6 to 18, can use Technology Center computers to communicate with teachers, check grades, complete assignments and even print school reports.

"Supporting our local Boys & Girls Clubs is a key passion for Cox employees in the Southeast," stated Jacqui Vines, senior vice president and general manager of Cox's Southeast Region. "We see the difference that Clubs make in our kids and our communities on a daily basis. Cox is proud to outfit our Clubs with these Technology Centers, providing children the tools they need to build a strong foundation for the future."

Boys & Girls Club Technology Centers include state-of-the-art computers, along with desktops, monitors, laptops, printers, docking stations, wireless routers, wireless cards and proprietary software. Through BGCA's technology program, kids are introduced to basic business software, learn how to stay safe online and move on to advanced hardware and networking skills. 

"Cox is excited and proud to support BGCA's mission to provide kids not only with access to the latest technology, but also help expand their knowledge and equip them with the skills needed to succeed in today's society," said Cox President Pat Esser.

Cox Communications and The James M. Cox Foundation funded Technology Centers in 12 Boys & Girls Clubs located within Cox service areas. The participating locations are:

• Boys & Girls Club of Southwest Virginia – 9th St. Unit, Roanoke, Va.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Providence – South Side Clubhouse, Providence, R.I.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana – Jackie Boys & Girls Club, Lafayette, La.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Metropolitan Phoenix – The Spencer D. and Mary Jane Stewart Branch, Phoenix, Ariz.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson – The Frank & Edith Morton Clubhouse, Tucson, Ariz.
• Fort Smith Boys & Girls Club – Bill Jeffrey Memorial Boys & Girls Club, Fort Smith, Ark.
• Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, Calif.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego – National City Branch, National City, Calif.
• Boys & Girls Club of Alachua County – Rotary Campus & Mentor Center, Gainesville, Fla.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Henderson – Mary & Sam Boyd Unit, Henderson, Nev.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Henderson – Montandon Unit, Henderson, Nev.
• Salvation Army Mabee Red Shield Boys & Girls Club, Tulsa, Okla.

"We are extremely grateful to Cox Communications for ensuring the young people we serve are as tech-savvy as their peers," said BGCA President and CEO Jim Clark. "Without access and the skills to match, millions of America's children cannot possibly compete in school successfully, much less the future workforce."

Since 2008, Cox has contributed more than $8 million in cash and in-kind support to BGCA and Technology Centers in Clubs. Cox volunteers have also provided service hours at Clubs from coast-to-coast, painting murals, landscaping, renovating and performing computer installations.

This announcement follows a nationwide Cox marketing campaign, "Days of Giving," which supported BGCA during the 2012 holiday season. During the campaign, Cox customers were encouraged to donate toys for local children at one of Cox's 133 retail locations across the nation. The toys were donated to local Boys & Girls Clubs in each of Cox's markets.

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 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.

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 through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American 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 and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Club programs promote 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://bgca.org/facebook and http://bgca.org/twitter.

SOURCE Boys & Girls Clubs of America