New Cox Innovation Lab at Boys & Girls Clubs Provide Opportunities for Local Kids

Two $20k Grants from Cox Communications Bring Innovation Labs to Newport News Boys & Girls Clubs

NEWPORT NEWS, VA – (November 29, 2022) The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula will celebrate the launch of two new technology-filled Innovation Labs at its Gloucester and Greater Hampton Roads Units, made possible by two $20,000-grants from Cox Communications. The Cox Innovation Labs will be welcomed with an in-person ceremony at BGCVP Greater Hampton Roads Unit on Tuesday, November 29, and a virtual ceremony at BGCVP Gloucester Unit on Wednesday, November 30, 2022.

The Innovation Labs are the cornerstone of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Club Tech program, which 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.

Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula President & CEO Hal Smith stated, “We are so grateful for this amazing gift from our friends and corporate partners at Cox Communications. This gift will enable us to build upon our pillars of doing whatever it takes- and will allow us to help change the lives of so many of our kids, and in return, our communities. Not only will our kids be able to expand their knowledge during our “Power Hour,” daily time set aside to complete schoolwork and receive help from tutors, but our kids will be able to build upon their knowledge in our STEM (science, education, math and technology) programs with the 3D printers. For the past 75 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula has provided boys and girls with an inclusive and safe place to learn and grow, and has continued to offer life-enhancing programs and character development experiences. With this gift, we could not be more grateful to Cox Communications for investing in the lives of these amazing young people.”

“The Cox Innovation Lab at the Boys & Girls Clubs has created a lasting impact by empowering students to be the next generation of great leaders in our community,” said J.D. Myers, II, regional manager and senior vice president of Cox in Virginia. “It provides a welcoming environment for our students to explore technology, learn and reinforce the skills they are taught in school.”

Photographed above: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula holds a virtual grand opening of Cox Innovation Lab at Gloucester Unit

Photographed above: Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula holds grand opening of Greater Hampton Roads Unit Cox Innovation Lab. Speakers included BGCVP President and CEO, Hal Smith and Cox Communications Vice-President of Marketing, Jason Axsom.