Warwick, RI – City officials joined Cox Communications and Boys & Girls Club executives to celebrate the opening of Technology Center at the Norwood Clubhouse with 10 new computers and tablets sporting educational software thanks to a $25,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation.
“With the equipment, the children will be able to do their homework, they’ll be able to do lessons, and they’ll be able to participate in test programs that we’ll be able to do,” said Eleanor Acton, Development Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Warwick.
The grant is part of $135,000 the Foundation has dedicated to create seven new Cox Technology Centers across the nation, including at the Norwood Clubhouse at 42 Frederick St.
The Centers are the focus of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Club Tech program, which provides students access to curriculum to advance their computer literacy skills. The Technology Centers also help bridge the digital divide for children who have no access to a computer or Internet connection at home.
“Cox is dedicated to Rhode Island communities and to providing youth access to technology, learning opportunities and best practices for staying safe online,” said Jay Allbaugh, senior vice president and region manager, Cox Communications. “Technology Centers are a game-changer in preparing Club kids for their futures, and we’re very proud to provide them.”
“To be productive citizens in the 21st century, young people need digital access for professional and academic success,” said Lara D’Antuono, executive director, Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick. “More than 75 percent of colleges take their applications online, and nearly all Fortune 500 companies post new jobs through their websites. We are thankful for Cox Communications’ continued generosity to provide Club kids with Internet access and a state-of-the-art learning environment.”
Warwick Mayor Scott Avedisian, Warwick School District Superintendent Dr. Phillip Thornton and Boys & Girls Clubs of Warwick Youth of the Year Dashawn Howland joined community and educational leaders to celebrate the Norwood Center’s grand opening Thursday.
“Technology and connectivity have become vital aspects of youth education, both at school and during after-school hours,” Avedisian said. “The partnership between Cox and the Boys & Girls Club has become a powerful one in safeguarding the futures of Warwick’s youth,” Avedisian said.
“It’s so hard to keep up with technology so something like this is really a big deal to us,” said Acton.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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