Columbus, Ohio (July 18, 2018) – A U.S. Army veteran looking for work so he could help his ailing father can now do so. A single mother, out of a job for nine months, is now able to take better care of her two young children. A woman nearing the end of her career now has new skills that mean she can live her dream after retirement.
These are just some of the graduates from three Digital Works classes funded by a grant from Charter Communications, Inc. The graduates, employers, DW staff, elected officials and others will come together on July 19 at 1 p.m. at the Reeb Avenue Center, located at 280 Reeb Avenue, to celebrate and share how these classes are helping improve the lives of Columbus residents. Media is invited to attend to hear stories from those affected and learn how this effort is creating positive change.
“It’s incredible when you consider the huge impact of the investment Charter has made in our community,” said Stu Johnson, VP of Digital Works, a program of Connected Nation. “With just this one grant, we were able to provide digital job training, placement assistance, and mentorship to 16 people—these are people who just needed a fresh start or a new way to work. They have families to support and hopes and dreams like any one of us. Now, they’re empowered to do so.”
The Digital Works facility in Columbus, Ohio, was one of 17 grant recipients through the Spectrum Digital Education Grant Program. In its first year, the company committed $1 million in grants, in-kind support and technical assistance to nonprofits across the country as part of its commitment to provide digital education in Spectrum communities.
“Broadband can bring so many positive things to people’s lives—from educational opportunities to better healthcare access,” said Ron Johnson, Vice President, Residential Inbound Sales, Charter Communications. “Our partnership with Connected Nation is through Digital Works is a prime example of working together to provide communities in need with the necessary tools to grow and prosper in the digital age.”
Spectrum is committed to improving communities and impacting lives through two signature programs: Spectrum Digital Education—focusing on helping families and seniors learn more about digital technology in underrepresented communities—and Spectrum Housing Assist, with a goal of making 50,000 homes safer and healthier by the year 2020.
Digital Works was developed by Connected Nation to meet the growing need within communities for digital skills and digital jobs training. Digital Works has established relationships with more than 70 employers across the country and customizes its training so graduates are learning the skills companies are searching for in employees.
All of the jobs are remoteand in-demand positions—providing new employment opportunities and a larger tax base for the local community. Training is supported through Connected Nation’s “Drive” online-learning platform, which also provides ongoing education after graduation.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Jessica Denson, Connected Nation
Communications Manager
jdenson@connectednation.org
(502) 341-2024
Mike Hogan, Charter
Senior Manager, Communications
mike.hogan@charter.com
(614) 981-4202
www.charter.com
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About Digital Works
Digital Works, a program of Connected Nation, connects people to leading-edge customer support and IT jobs for global corporations by providing training, mentorship, and job placement assistance, as well as the opportunity for advanced careers.
About Connected Nation
Connected Nation’s mission is to improve lives by providing innovative solutions that expand the access, adoption, and use of broadband (high-speed internet) and its related technologies to all people. We believe that everyone belongs in a Connected Nation. For more information, please visit: www.connectednation.org or follow Connected Nation on Facebook and Twitter
About Charter
Charter Communications Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband communications company and the second largest cable operator in the United States. Charter provides a full range of advanced residential broadband services, including Spectrum TV® programming, Spectrum Internet®, and Spectrum Voice®. Under the Spectrum Business® brand, Charter provides scalable and cost-effective broadband communications solutions to small and medium-sized business organizations, including Internet access, business telephone, and TV services. Through the Spectrum Enterprise brand, Charter is a national provider of scalable, fiber-based technology solutions serving many of America’s largest businesses and communications service providers. Charter’s advertising sales and production services are sold under the Spectrum Reach® brand. Charter’s news and sports networks are operated under the Spectrum Networks brand. More information about Charter can be found at newsroom.charter.com.