OKLAHOMA CITY, Sept. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ — Cox Communications has partnered with Connect2Compete to offer discounted Internet service to low-income families with children who qualify for the National Free School Lunch program. Cox is offering its Starter Cox High Speed Internet service to eligible families for $9.95 per month for two years, including free installation and modem rental fees.
“Cox has a legacy of reaching into the communities that we serve and partnering to address important issues. By giving students access to technology we are removing barriers that will open up the world to them,” said Tiffani Bruton, Director of Public Affairs for Cox Communications.
According to the Pew Research Center, less than half of low-income K-12 students across America have broadband at home compared to more than 90 percent of higher-income families. What’s more, nearly 30% of all Americans – approximately 100 million people – risk becoming increasingly isolated from contemporary life because they lack the Internet service and the skills necessary to use it effectively.
These and other startling statistics are the impetus for Connect2Compete, a national not-for-profit initiative aiming to bring students and families online by providing discounted high-speed Internet, low-cost computers and free digital literacy training to families.
Broadband Adoption Legacy
“Cox has a long history of supporting broadband adoption programs across the country, and doing so in a way that connects the most vulnerable members of our society – our children – so they can compete and have a greater chance of success in the digital world that awaits them,” said Cox Communications President Pat Esser.
Broadband adoption programs have been an important part of Cox’s legacy. In fact, the Connect2Compete program is modeled after a broadband adoption program in Santa Barbara, CA that Cox has participated in since 2002. The company’s broadband adoption support also includes a program it rolled out two years ago in the Sunnyside Unified School District, including families with children attending Los Amigos Technology Academy where today’s ceremony took place.
“No one organization or company can make this all happen on their own. It takes many partners to make a broadband adoption program possible. The Connect2Compete program does this by bringing together the top companies like Cox Communications and experts across industries to put a working computer with broadband service directly into the homes of students – making it easily accessible whenever the student needs it and thus, increasing learning opportunities,” said Zach Leverenz, CEO of Connect2Compete.
“We are well into the information age. Access to technology as an information delivery system is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. An information divide is the equivalent of an educational divide—and we need to close that divide to ensure that all of our students have access to a world-class education,” added Superintendent of Public Instruction John Huppenthal. “Connect2Compete understands this need and is working to close that divide. We are proud to support this effort.”
Cox’s Connect2Compete initiative will be promoted through schools in the communities it serves, as well as through non-profit organizations such as LULAC and the National Urban League who also are supporting Connect2Compete.
For more information on Cox’s Connect2Compete offer, visit www.connect2compete.org/Cox.
single parent who lost job. Two children not on lunch program. Have no internet connection and need it for school work. Children are 13 and 16. Need help but don't know where to turn. Cox would be provider. Live in Las Vegas, zip code 89145.
Recent widow mom of 4 children w/an $8 a hour job and 15 hours a week. 2 children on free lunch program ages 10 and 14 struggles to keep internet for them so they can do homwork. Computer is 9 yrs old and so slow its very difficult for them to keep up with homework. Cox says i owe a bill from 1994 and wont assist me. Live in san diego 92154 . Please help us.