Imagine that you’re a high school freshman and your friends are talking about the latest shoes or gadget they’re adding to their holiday wish list. Sure, you’d also like those things but what you’re really wishing for is a computer so the next time you’re given an assignment that requires a four-page paper about the Milky Way you can do it in the comfort of your own home. This is likely on the minds of more students in Virginia than you think. The reality is nearly 40 percent of students from low-income families do not have access to a computer at home.
Computers are an essential tool enabling children to complete homework assignments and other tasks assigned by school teachers. However according the U.S. Census Bureau, only 62.4 percent of low-income households reported having a computer in the home. Without technology at home, these students are struggling to keep up.
Cox Communications is teaming up with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia to address this issue in Roanoke, providing families in need with desktop computers. This donation is an extension of Cox’s commitment to providing local youth with the tools and technology they need to be successful in school and beyond.
“Thank you, Cox for granting Christmas wishes of computers for our program children,” said CEO June House. Cox is a wonderful company and a beneficial partner that we have at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia. Our Board of Directors and the staff are so happy for this blessing that our children may be better equipped for the future.” We are truly grateful for Cox’s continued support.”
Throughout the week of December 14, Big Brothers Big Sisters students participating in the Oliver Hill Mentoring Program will receive free desktop computers. Students and their families will receive information about Connect2Compete, a program that provides low-cost, high-speed Internet to qualifying families in Cox communities throughout Virginia. Cox Virginia partnered with Connect2Compete as part of a pilot computer donation program to help eliminate barriers to technology for low-income families. Additionally, families will receive information on Take Charge!, a community outreach campaign that encourages safe and healthy digital behavior and provides tools and information that empowers parents and caregivers to protect loved ones while getting the most out of their technology.
“Children deserve to have the same opportunities when it comes to education and access to educational tools,” said Jeff Merritt vice president of Roanoke Operations for Cox Virginia. “Having a computer in the home not only enhances the educational experience for the child, but gives the entire family an opportunity to experience technology together.”
The donation to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia is a part of a larger, statewide initiative. Big Brothers Big Sisters members and their families in Hampton Roads, Fredericksburg and Fairfax, Va. were also recipients of desktop computers, bringing the statewide donation total to 245 computers.
For more information on Cox Communications, Emma Inman, APR, (757) 222.8432 or Jessica Turley, (540) 204.5402.
For more than 60 years, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwest Virginia has operated under the belief that inherent in every child is the ability to succeed and thrive in life. Most children served by Big Brothers Big Sisters live in single-parent and low-income families, or households where a parent is incarcerated. As the nation’s largest donor and volunteer supported mentoring network, Big Brothers Big Sisters makes meaningful, monitored matches between adult volunteers (“Bigs”) and children (“Littles”), providing a system of ongoing evaluation and support.
