Stamford Awarded $1.3 Million in Grants to Enhance Digital Literacy and Community Support

Stamford, Connecticut: $1.3 Million in Grants to Boost Digital Literacy

Stamford, Conn. – In an uplifting move to promote digital education, Charter Communications recently awarded a whopping $1.3 million in grants to 66 nonprofit organizations through its 2024 Spectrum Digital Education program. This initiative, designed to enhance digital literacy and educational opportunities, has become a beacon of hope for many underserved communities.

A Heartfelt Commitment to Digital Education

Since its launch in 2017, the Spectrum Digital Education program has committed more than $10 million to nonprofits across its 41-state service area. The program focuses on critical areas like improving digital literacy and providing access to educational resources. Rahman Khan, the Group Vice President of Community Impact for Charter Communications, emphasized the importance of connectivity, stating, “Connectivity is the foundation for meaningful learning, professional growth and human connection, and helps to build strong, thriving communities.”

Empowering Communities with New Grants

This year’s grants aren’t just about funding; they’re about empowering individuals and communities. Among the first-time recipients is The Ladder Alliance from Fort Worth, Texas, which plans to provide workforce development and essential computer skills programs to low-income women and survivors of domestic violence. Meanwhile, the Community Development YMCA in Long Beach, California, is set to bolster its TECH MASTERS program, which aims to impart digital skills to the local Cambodian community through courses offered in both Spanish and Khmer.

Another exciting initiative comes from Mapunawai Inc. in Hawaii, which received two grants totaling $45,000. This funding will support their Digital Ready Hawaii program, focusing on offering language-specific training and free devices to rural residents who lack computer skills. And let’s not forget Code Girls United in Kalispell, Montana, which has also earned ongoing support with $30,000. Their after-school program focuses on providing free computer science and coding education to girls in rural and tribal communities.

Support for Seniors and Digital Connectivity

One notable recipient, the Central Community House of Columbus, Ohio, has received funding totaling $105,000 over five years. This generous support will enhance their Technology Assistance Project (TAP), aimed at reducing social isolation among seniors by teaching them how to safely navigate the internet and connect with friends and family online.

Building Stronger Communities One Grant at a Time

Since 2017, the Spectrum Digital Education program has positively impacted over 163,000 community members by distributing more than 18,500 laptops and sponsoring over 40,000 digital education classes. This year’s grant recipients are being recognized as community champions, all working tirelessly to improve the digital landscape in their neighborhoods.

A Complete List of Champions

Here’s a glimpse of the 66 nonprofits making a difference through this year’s grants, categorized by state:

• California: After-School All-Stars, Community Development YMCA, Cyber-Seniors, and more.
• Florida: Heart of Florida United Way, Seniors in Service of Tampa Bay.
• Georgia: Athens Community Council on Aging.
• Hawaii: Ho’okama I Ka Malama, Mapunawai Inc, Project Hawai’i.
• Kentucky: Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Urban League of Lexington-Fayette County.
• Missouri: Goodwill of Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas, YWCA Metro St. Louis, and others.
• Montana: Code Girls United, Family Promise of Gallatin Valley.
• North Carolina: The Center for Digital Equity, E2D – Eliminate the Digital Divide, and more.
• Ohio: 1000 Ties, Urban League of Greater Cleveland, and others.
• Pennsylvania: Shenango Valley Urban League.
• South Carolina: Senior Citizens Association in Florence County.
• Texas: Girls Inc of San Antonio, The Ladder Alliance.
• Virginia: LGBT Tech.
• Washington: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Columbia Basin, Goodwill Industries.
• Wisconsin: Digital Bridge, Greater Milwaukee Urban League.

Conclusion

The 2024 Spectrum Digital Education grants are not just about funding; they represent a profound commitment to making the internet accessible and beneficial for everyone. As these organizations begin to implement their programs, we can look forward to seeing countless lives transformed through enhanced digital education and opportunities. Here’s to greater connectivity and the beautiful community growth it can bring!