Spectrum announced the Georgia Extension 4-H Foundation received a $15,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant for their 4-H Tech Changemakers program, as part of its five-year, $7 million commitment to digital education in Spectrum communities across the country. “We applaud Georgia Extension 4-H Foundation for their broadband education initiatives and for helping us support efforts that promote digital literacy in the Catoosa County and Ringgold communities,” said Rahman Khan, vice president of Community Impact for Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of broadband connectivity products.
“Through this partnership with Georgia Extension 4-H Foundation, the Spectrum Digital Education program is able to bring essential resources to those in need, and we look forward to working with them on this transformative project.” Representatives from Spectrum joined elected officials and area leaders to present the $15,000 check to the Foundation. The organization will use the funding to support their 4-H Tech Changemakers program in Catoosa County, and to provide the Catoosa County Senior Center with technology lab equipment. “Due to the generous funding from the Spectrum Digital Education grant, we can provide new and needed technologies to the Catoosa County Senior Center,” said Johnathan Barrett, executive director of the Georgia 4-H Foundation. “Our 4-H youth are seen as technology experts in this project, teaching the center’s patrons practical digital skills. Being able to replace old, outdated equipment allows the seniors to continue to receive high-quality educational experiences led by our 4-H Tech Changemakers.” The check presentation and luncheon included an unveiling of the new computers and printers, testimonials from program participants and comments from both 4-H and government officials. “I applaud Spectrum for funding access to technology devices to citizens in Catoosa County,” said Chariman Steven Henry, Catoosa County Board of Commissioners. “Strong partnerships like this between Spectrum, the Catoosa County Senior Center and the 4-H Extension are a necessity in bridging the digital divide.” The 4-H Tech Changemakers program enables 4-H teen leaders to work with older adults to build their knowledge and confidence when using computers to access information, communicate with family and friends and make online purchases. “It is more important than ever to obtain an understanding of technology and digital literacy skills,” said State Senator Jeff Mullis, District 53. “This project shows Spectrum’s dedication to addressing this growing need among seniors throughout our communities.” Georgia Extension 4-H Foundation is one of 49 nonprofit organizations that Spectrum is supporting through 2021 Spectrum Digital Education grants. Since launching Spectrum Digital Education in 2017, Spectrum has donated $7 million in cash and in-kind contributions for digital literacy programs reaching nearly 70,000 people in 20 states and Washington, D.C.Charter sponsors several philanthropic programs in addition to Spectrum Digital Education, including Spectrum Scholars, a scholarship for under-represented college juniors in financial need; Spectrum Employee Community Grants, which supports Charter employees’ local volunteer activities; and the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund, which supports small and minority-owned businesses whose goods and services help meet core needs in financially underserved communities within the company’s footprint.
