NEWS RELEASE
Boys & Girls Clubs of Laguna Beach unveils enhanced tools and technology to help kids succeed
$20k grant from Cox Communications brings innovative technology to Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach, Calif. – October 5, 2023 – The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach unveiled new tools and technology at its technology-filled Innovation Lab thanks to a $20,000 grant from Cox Communications during a ceremony held by the organization October 4. The Cox Innovation Labs are the cornerstone of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Club Tech program, which provides students access to curriculum to advance their computer literacy skills. These Innovation Labs also help bridge the digital divide for children without access to a computer or internet connection at home.
This enhanced Innovation Lab reveal corresponds with Digital Inclusion Week (DIW). This annual event (October 2 – 6) brings together communities, organizations, and policymakers to raise awareness, share best practices, and mobilize efforts to bridge the digital divide.
“We are incredibly grateful for Cox Communication’s investment in our young people’s lives and futures through this revitalized Innovation Lab,” said Pamela Estes, chief executive officer for the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach. “We are excited to be able to inspire and encourage the next generation of innovators in this cutting-edge STEAM space to develop the critical thinking skills and creativity to solve unforeseen challenges that the future will hold. Thank you to Cox for empowering our young ones to explore and imagine their world and beyond.”
The Cox Innovation Lab gives children enrolled in the Boys & Girls Clubs the freedom to explore their interest in STEM through new and innovative technology. The lab features laptop computers, Chromebooks, a video production suite, 3D printers, microscopes, drones, Wi-Fi and internet services provided by Cox.
“We’re committed to supporting STEM opportunities for children so they can stay connected, live, learn and pursue careers in our increasingly digital world,” said Colleen Dillaway, Orange County market vice president for Cox Communications.. “Cox Innovation Labs allow students to access exciting tools to advance their tech-literacy skills and explore unknown possibilities.”
In addition to the Innovation Lab grant, Cox has made great strides in expanding broadband access in California. Through community partnerships with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs, Connect2Compete (C2C) and other internet affordability options, Cox is moving the needle on bridging the digital divide for families and students across the U.S.
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About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we operate fiber broadband networks in more than 30 states, providing connections and advanced cloud and managed IT services for nearly seven million homes and businesses nationwide. We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities, and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.
The commercial division of Cox Communications, Cox Business, provides a broad commercial solutions portfolio including advanced cloud and managed IT solutions and fiber-based network solutions that create connected environments, unique hospitality experiences and support diverse applications for nearly 370,000 businesses nationwide. For more information, please visit www.coxbusiness.com.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. More than 4,700 Clubs serve 4.6 million young people 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. National headquarters are located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and Twitter.
About the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach
The Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach serves over 3,000 youth per day in the Laguna Beach, Lake Forest, Aliso Viejo, and Mission Viejo areas. The Club’s mission is to empower all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential by promoting their healthy social, emotional, intellectual, and physical development. For more information about the Boys & Girls Club of Laguna Beach, visit www.bgclagunabeach.org or call (949) 494-2535.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Charla Batey
949-351-6914