Cox Communications today announced a $100,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation to the Boys & Girls Club of America (BGCA). The funds will help support development of new digital programming and enhance functionality of Boys & Girls Clubs of America's MyFuture virtual learning platform for not only Club kids, but also for Cox's Connect2Compete families.
MyFuture is BGCA's digital platform that empowers children and teens to learn new skills, share accomplishments and earn recognition and rewards via gamification in a safe and fun online environment. MyFuture has engaged more than 60,000 youth, with demand growing exponentially since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Now, MyFuture will also be available to students participating in the Cox Connect2Compete program as part of the company's Digital Academy.
Connect2Compete provides qualifying households with low-cost, home internet service and access to the Cox Digital Academy. The Academy is an online learning platform that contains an expanding library of computer literacy tips, educational videos, tutorials and interactive games. With the enhancement of the MyFuture platform, more kids will have access to tools for summer learning.
"Cox is committed to ensuring K-12 students have the access and skillsets needed to succeed in an increasingly digital-first world. This is especially important amid the Coronavirus pandemic, where learning has transitioned online," said Pat Esser, president and CEO of Cox Communications. "Joining forces with the Boys & Girls Club and integrating our digital learning tools opens the door for more kids that need digital learning this summer."
Cox has worked with BGCA for several years, opening technology centers and offering resources to narrow the digital divide for children across the country.
"The grant from the James M. Cox Foundation could not have come at a better time," said Jim Clark, president and CEO, Boys & Girls Clubs of America. "With so many families staying home this summer to stop the spread of COVID-19, kids need fun and educational programs to keep them active and engaged in learning. Our virtual learning tools, paired with the Cox Digital Academy, will serve as a field trip for the mind."
During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Cox implemented several programs and services to help Connect2Compete program participants. Support included free service through July 15 for those who signed up between March 16 and May 15, and Cox doubled download speeds during the same period. Offering digital learning resources through its Digital Academy and the MyFuture platform is the next step.
For more information on Cox Connect2Compete and the MyFuture platform, visit www.cox.com/digitalacademy.
