SAN DIEGO, Calif. – September 16, 2016 – Cox Communications and The James M. Cox Foundation have provided a $25,000 grant to fund a new technology center at the Boys & Girls Club of Vista – one of six clubs nationwide to receive the grant.
The donation is part of a $150,000 grant Cox Communications and The James M. Cox Foundation provided to create six new Cox Technology Centers across the nation. The technology centers are the centerpiece of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Club Tech program, which provides students access to curriculum to advance their computer literacy skills. The technology centers also help bridge the digital divide for children who have no access to a computer or Internet connection at home.
“Cox is dedicated to the Vista community and to providing youth with access to technology, as well as best practices for staying safe online,” said Sam Attisha, Senior Vice President and Region Manager of Cox Communications’ California operations.
“Young people need digital access if they’re going to be ready for the tech-savvy workforce of the future,” said Matt Koumaras, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys &Girls Club of Vista. “More than 75% of colleges have online applications, and nearly all Fortune 500 companies post new jobs through their websites. Cox Communications’ continued generosity will ensure our Club kids are ready by providing them with technology for homework and other educational needs.”
Valued at $25,000, the technology center includes state-of-the-art computers, along with desktops, monitors, laptops, printers, docking stations, wireless routers, wireless cards, and proprietary Microsoft and Club Tech software. Through the Club Tech suite of programs, kids learn the basics of business software, plus stay safe online and move on to advanced hardware and networking skills.
Cox is also working to bridge the digital divide for low-income families 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 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 areas where Cox Enterprises and its subsidiaries operate. The company’s major subsidiaries are Cox Communications, Manheim, Cox Media Group and AutoTrader Group. It’s national consumer brands are AutoTrader.com, Kelley Blue Book, Savings.com and Valpak.
The Boys & Girls Club of Vista invited the community from 3-7pm to their 11th Annual Day for Kids event. This event honored the greatness of all kids and spending quality time with these incredible kids. Special features included the Vista Orchestra for Youth, Vista Skate Coalition Build a Mini Board, Boys & Girls Club BBQ & Snow-Cones, pie-eating contest and the Pie in the Face fundraiser, plus so much more for a good cause.
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