Hispanic Federation: Announces plans for $30,000 Spectrum digital education grant in partnership with ser jobs for progress

MILWAUKEE – Mar. 3, 2021 – Spectrum joined leaders from Hispanic Federation, SER Jobs for Progress and State Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez today at a virtual celebration to announce efforts to further digital literacy and access in Milwaukee.

During the event, Hispanic Federation leaders shared that their recently awarded $30,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant will be used to support and enhance SER Jobs for Progress programs in Milwaukee. SER Jobs for Progress offers programs designed to improve computer literacy through workshops, training and opportunities for seniors, Latino families and low-income community members. Programs provide access to a learning lab where participants can explore the internet and other communication technologies with state-of-the-art computers.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has created a world that is almost entirely online. For people of color and other marginalized communities who were already struggling to cross the digital divide, the last year has pushed them even further behind,” said Brent Wilkes, Senior Vice President for Institutional Development at Hispanic Federation. “Initiatives like the Milwaukee-based Spectrum Digital Learning Hub will help us bridge that gap at a time when digital literacy is necessary for success in education and work, and to access information and provide an opportunity to keep communities healthy and safe.”

SER Jobs for Progress is also starting a lending library where low-income individuals can rent computer equipment and participate in these trainings.

“The partnership between Spectrum and the Hispanic Federation is encouraging,” said state Rep. Sylvia Ortiz-Velez. “The Spectrum Digital Learning Hub and the lending library will offer support to underserved community members by providing tools and resources needed for growth. I commend Spectrum for playing an important role in bridging the digital divide in the Milwaukee area.”

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 through December 2020, Spectrum Digital Education has benefitted more than 56,000 people across 17 states and Washington, D.C.

“We thank Hispanic Federation and SER Jobs for Progress for being instrumental in helping us provide support for digital education in the Milwaukee 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 these organizations we can continue to provide those in need with the resources to navigate the challenges of the digital age.”

Spectrum Digital Education is one of several philanthropic programs at Charter developed to support communities where the company provides service and where its employees live and work.

Key Spectrum Community Impact Initiatives

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.

Spectrum Employee Community Grants has provided funding to more than 225 local nonprofits in 30 states throughout the company’s service area since its inception in July 2019. Recipients deliver critical social services, helping underserved residents meet basic needs, including food, shelter, clothing, job training and neighborhood safety. Each awardee is nominated by one of the company’s 96,000 U.S. employees who has volunteered with the organization for at least one year.

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 Hispanic Federation

Hispanic Federation (HF) is the nation’s premier Latino nonprofit membership organization. Founded in 1990, HF seeks to support Hispanic families and strengthen Latino institutions through work in the areas of education, health, immigration, civic engagement, economic empowerment, and environment. With partnerships in 20 states, HF uplifts millions of Latinos locally and nationally through three essential service pillars: membership services/grant making, advocacy and community programs.