For Immediate Release

Media Contact:

Tyrell Scott, Media Coordinator, 757-321-7078

New Cox Innovation Lab at Boys & Girls Club Provides Opportunities for Local Kids

$20k Grant from James M. Cox Foundation Brings Innovation Lab to Virginia Beach Boys & Girls Club

Virginia Beach, VA – January 6, 2023 – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia celebrated the launch of a new technology-filled Innovation Lab at its TowneBank Rosemont Club in Virginia Beach, made possible by a $20,000-grant from the James M. Cox Foundation. The Cox Innovation Lab was welcomed with a grand opening ceremony held by Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia on January 6, 2023.

The donation is part of a greater $150,000 gift from The James M. Cox Foundation to create five new Cox Innovation Labs across the nation, develop STEM programming and provide training for the Boys & Girls Club staff. The Innovation Labs are the cornerstone of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Club Tech program, which provide 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.

“Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Viginia is incredibly thankful to Cox for providing the resources to launch a new technology-filled Innovation Lab. We would also like to thank ECPI University for their support in assembling the new lab. Through this, Club members have re-energized their interest in technology. This was a moment when the community came together to partner and created something so meaningful for the kids.” Keavy Dixson, Chief Operations Officer.

The Cox Innovation Lab provides new and innovative technology and support to help bridge the digital divide that exists for many young people right here in Virginia Beach. It will give the children going to the Boys & Girls Club the freedom to explore their interest in STEM while providing those without a computer or internet access a way to get connected and manage through distance learning. It includes laptop computers, furniture, Wifi and internet services provided by Cox.

“A reliable connection to the internet is more important now than ever before,” said Bruce Crooks, Cox Vice President of Customer Care. “We’re committed to ensuring our children are connected at school, at home and right here at the Boys & Girls Club where so many children spend their afternoons. We look forward to the incredible achievements we’re going to see from all of these bright kids in the coming years.”

“At ECPI University, we enjoy giving back to our local community, especially when it comes to educating the next generation. Our university could not be prouder of the faculty and students who donated their IT services both during class and on their personal time, to ensure the new computer lab was assembled, equipped and ready for the children and teens at the Boys & Girls Club to use,” said ECPI University Virginia Beach Campus President Andy Gladstein.

In addition to the Innovation Lab grant, Cox has made great strides in expanding broadband access in Virginia. Through community partnerships with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs, Connect2Compete (C2C) and CARES Act funding, Cox is moving the needle on bridging the digital divide for families and students in Virginia.

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About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. The largest private broadband company in America, we proudly serve six and a half million homes and businesses across 18 states. 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.

About The James M. Cox Foundation

The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises’ founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio's first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States.

The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including: conservation and environment; early childhood education; empowering families and individuals for success; and health.

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 at BGCA.org.

About ECPI University

Founded in 1966, ECPI University is a private university with 17 locations in Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Texas and online. ECPI is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees. Questions about the accreditation of ECPI may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org). The university has programs in technology, nursing, health science, business, criminal justice, and culinary arts. Program availability varies by campus. For more information, visit www.ecpi.edu.