OXNARD, CA – April 23, 2021 – Spectrum today announced the LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) has received a $25,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant for its bilingual digital literacy program for low-income students and Spanish-speaking parents, as part of the company’s multiyear, $6 million cash and in-kind national commitment to digital education in Spectrum communities across the country. The company doubled its original 2020 commitment to digital education, awarding a total of $1 million to 47 organizations providing broadband education, technology and training.
“We thank the LULAC National Educational Service Centers for being instrumental in helping us provide support for digital education in the Oxnard community,” said Rahman Khan, Vice President of Community Impact for Charter Communications, Inc., which operates the Spectrum brand of TV, Internet, Voice and Mobile products. “Through the LNESC we can continue to provide those in need with the resources to navigate the challenges of the digital age.”
Spectrum presented the $25,000 grant to the organization at a free drive-thru technology recycling drive held at Channel Islands High School on April 22. Oxnard Mayor John Zaragoza, Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez and the Office of Assemblywoman Jacqui Irwin also participated in the celebration.
Based in Washington, D.C., the LNESC provides educational and leadership opportunities to create lifelong learners and leaders within the Hispanic community and maximize the educational potential of Latino youth. The grant will support the LNESC’s “Conexiones: Digital Pathways for Latino Families” program in Oxnard, which provides digital equipment and internet access to families to improve digital skills through bilingual virtual classes.
“As the world around us is changing due to the challenges of the health pandemic, families are relying more on technology than ever before for work, school and everyday life,” said Richard Roybal, LNESC Executive Director. “As an education organization, we must provide training and access to digital resources for Hispanic families so they may also adjust to the evolving virtual landscape. Through the LNESC Oxnard Conexiones program, we can help students and parents get connected through classes offered within the appropriate cultural context, as well as in their language, so they may participate in the digital world and progress with society in its advancements. We are happy to do so through the Spectrum and LNESC partnership. Together we prosper!”
“Congratulations to the LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) on being awarded a Spectrum Digital Education Grant in support of their digital training program for Hispanic students and families in Oxnard,” said Oxnard Mayor John Zaragoza. “By engaging our Spanish-speaking families in bilingual workshops, this ensures that those with language and cultural barriers are getting the targeted support and tools they need to thrive with technology. Thank you Spectrum for your support of the LNESC and other digital education programs.”
“I am delighted to celebrate LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) on their Spectrum Digital Education Grant and all of the important work they continue to do to drive educational and job opportunities for our Latino families in Oxnard,” said Ventura County Supervisor Carmen Ramirez. “In today’s economy, technological and digital proficiency are basic necessities to succeed and can greatly improve the quality of life for so many people. Alongside businesses like Spectrum, we are proud to work together to address broadband inequality in our communities.”
“One of the many challenges presented by the pandemic was a lack of digital resources for students and parents who were not equipped with the necessary tools to help their children as they transitioned to virtual learning,” stated Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D- Thousand Oaks). “I am excited that LULAC is working on this issue with Spectrum to provide basic digital literacy in our community. We are proud to stand with LULAC National Educational Service Centers (LNESC) of Oxnard and their mission to create strong leaders and learners here within the Latino community. Our families and students are grateful for their ongoing dedication to their career growth and success.”
“LULAC National Education Service Centers of Oxnard has served Latino families throughout Ventura County with thoughtful and much-needed educational services and programming,” said Congresswoman Julia Brownley. “I am proud to support LNESC’s efforts to empower and engage families and young people who are pursuing higher education opportunities.”
With this year’s grants, Spectrum has surpassed its multiyear commitment to award $6 million in cash and in-kind donations to support broadband education across the company’s 41-state service area. This year’s recipients are from 15 states and Washington, D.C., and were chosen from 259 eligible applications. Recipients include nonprofits working to empower disadvantaged residents in towns and cities, boost small businesses in rural areas, provide computer assistance to senior citizens, and organizations that meet educational needs for children — including those experiencing homelessness and remote learning challenges. Since its inception in 2017, Spectrum Digital Education has benefitted more than 56,000 individuals in 17 states and Washington, D.C.
Spectrum Digital Education is one of several philanthropic programs developed by Charter to support the communities in which Charter provides service and where its employees both live and work.
Charter has committed $22 million to assist minority-owned businesses within its footprint. In 2020, Charter launched the Spectrum Community Investment Loan Fund to invest in community development financial institutions (CDFIs), and with national partners like National Action Network and the National Urban League, to provide low-cost loans to diverse-owned small businesses whose goods and services help meet core needs in underserved communities.
In the spring of 2020, Charter introduced Spectrum Scholars, a two-year educational program for eligible rising juniors in financial need, that will award a total of $400,000 in scholarship aid, provide company mentors for students, as well as connect them with potential internship opportunities at Charter.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 31 million customers in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.
About LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC)
LULAC National Educational Service Centers, Inc. (LNESC) was established in 1973 by the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) to provide educational programming to high-need students throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Throughout 16 ducation and technology centers, LNESC has served over 579,000 students, sent 157,000 students on to college, and awarded nearly $28 million in scholarships. LNESC’s results are made possible by a network of dedicated field staff, top-notch teachers, over 90 school partners, and the support of LULAC – the nation’s largest membership based Latino organization. LNESC works to change lives and build Latino communities, one student at a time. www.lnesc.org
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