President Barack Obama unveiled ConnectALL, an initiative to help Americans from across the country, at every income level, get online and have the tools to take full advantage of the Internet. As part of the Wednesday announcement, Cox Communications was recognized for new investments it is making in Connect2Compete, its discounted Internet service program for low-income K-12 families.
“Today’s digital classrooms are tomorrow’s connected businesses. The investments we are making in closing the digital divide help ensure our students are prepared for their careers and life-long success after school,” said Cox Communications President Pat Esser. “Together with partners like Univision, we are committed to closing the homework gap for all students, no matter where they live.”
“Connecting youth to technology is a core value of Cox Communications, and truly guides our community investments. We know the Internet is a critical to Arizona families- providing access to jobs, and an educational resource for the students in the family,” said Susan Anable, vice president, Cox Communications-Southwest region. “With our Connect2Compete partnership we are committed to making the Internet accessible to more families in the Valley.”
With a focus on making the process even easier for every eligible low-income family with K-12 children in its footprint, the company will host more than 200 events across the country in 2016, signing up at least 100,000 low-income Americans for the program.
Later this year, the company will launch a media campaign in partnership with Univision, promoting discounted internet service and digital literacy tools available to Hispanic families through Univision’s stations and across Cox’s media properties.
Cox is a founding partner of the Connect2Compete program, and has connected nearly 160,000 people to the Internet in the last four years. K-12 families who are eligible for the National Free School Lunch program, TANF and SNAP benefits are eligible.
Connect2Compete is promoted in partnership with dozens of community organizations, agencies and community leaders across the company’s 18-state footprint. The company’s public service campaign focuses on the impact the Internet has on school performance. “Smart Tools for School” is a campaign that shows how Internet access at home can boost confidence and curiosity, ultimately increasing classroom performance.
In addition to providing access to Internet service in the home, Cox has been a National Technology Partner of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America for more than a decade, including Boys and Girls Clubs in the Valley and Southern Arizona.
