Super Bowl champion and Connect2Compete advocate Malcolm Mitchell cut the ribbon on a technology-filled Innovation Lab at The Boys & Girls Clubs Teen Center in Fort Walton Beach. The lab was made possible thanks to a $25,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation. Mitchell, who is an author, Super Bowl-champion and founder of the Share the Magic Foundation, joined local officials and Cox leaders for the grand opening of the technology-filled space.
The grant is part of a greater gift from the James M. Cox Foundation to create and expand Cox Innovation Labs across the nation, develop STEM programming and provide training for the Boys & Girls Club staff. The labs are the cornerstone of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Club Tech program and 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.
“It’s important for today’s kids to have a place to access the internet and increase their digital literacy. It’s my hope that more young students find joy and passion in reading and learning like I did, through access to technology and the tools that Cox provides,” said Malcolm Mitchell, author, Super Bowl champion and founder of the Share the Magic Foundation. “That’s why I am excited to partner with Cox to help connect those that need it most and expose students to endless opportunities and possibilities. Having the skills to live, learn and work in an increasingly digital world, is one of the most crucial skills that people need to thrive today.”
“Our mission at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast is to provide every child with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s world, and the Cox Innovation Lab exemplifies that commitment,” said Shervin Rassa, CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast. “Thanks to the generosity of the James M. Cox Foundation, our teens now have access to cutting-edge technology that will inspire creativity, build essential skills, and open doors to endless possibilities for their future.”
The Cox Innovation Lab will give the children enrolled in the Boys & Girls Club Teen Center the freedom to explore their interest in STEM through new and innovative technology. The lab features laptop computers, Chromebooks, a video production suite, 3D printers, microscopes, drones, Wifi and internet services provided by Cox.
“We’re committed to ensuring our children have internet access and the tools they need to succeed at school, home and now, thanks to the generosity of the James M. Cox Foundation, right here at the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast where so many children spend their afternoons after the bell rings,” said David Deliman, Cox Gulf Coast market vice president. “We’re excited about the positive impact and achievements these bright kids will make.”
In addition to the Innovation Lab grant, Cox has made great strides in expanding broadband access along the Emerald Coast. Through community partnerships with organizations like the Boys & Girls Clubs, Connect2Compete (C2C) and other internet affordability options, Cox is moving the needle on bridging the digital divide for families and students across the U.S.
