The 2018 Cox Corporate Social Responsibility Report CEI_2018_CSR_Report | Page 35

Narrowing the
Digital Divide
Today, seven in 10 U.S. schoolteachers assign homework that requires an
internet connection. Yet millions of families nationwide lack home internet
access, putting children at a disadvantage compared to their connected peers.
“If we can get computers in
the home, I know that my
students will have a better
chance of being successful.
I know that they will have a
better chance to compete
globally when they grow
up. And I also know that
it will help them feel
successful right now.”
Cox Communications is helping narrow this digital divide with its flagship
community program, Connect2Compete. This program provides low-cost,
high-speed internet service to families with at least
one K-12 student living in public housing or qualifying
for a free or reduced-cost school lunch. The Cox
commitment of services represents $20 million in
support annually. The program is making a difference
in more than 75,000 subscribing homes. According
to a 2018 survey of more than 1,700 participating
families, parents report that Connect2Compete
makes children more interested in schoolwork and
helps them earn higher grades.
—Trista Jackson, Teacher,
Baton Rouge, Louisiana
The survey also revealed that most Connect2Compete
customers are first-time internet users. That’s why in
2018, Cox Communications introduced Cox Digital
Academy, a free online resource for parents, educators
and community centers that teaches computer basics,
online safety and social media tips. In the two months
after its launch, more than 540,000 users interacted
with Cox Digital Academy through online modules,
videos and training exercises.
Cox Communications is also bridging divides through
its partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America
(BGCA). Cox Technology Centers at more than
100 BGCA locations provide access to computers
and the internet for students who may not have
those resources at home.
Photo credit: Brian Sanderford

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