Funds Will Help Organization Enhance Workforce Development Training Throughout Dane County
MADISON, Wis. (July 12, 2025) – Spectrum today announced Operation Fresh Start has received $50,000 through Spectrum Community Center Assist (SCCA), the company’s $30 million philanthropic initiative to revitalize local community centers and invest in job training programs in underserved rural and urban neighborhoods where Spectrum operates.
Spectrum kicked off the partnership on Saturday at a revitalization event where approximately 20 employees, family and guests painted, assembled furniture, and landscaped around Operation Fresh Start’s center on the near east side of Madison.
Operation Fresh Start will utilize the awarded funds to enhance its workforce development training programs. The support will help provide participant stipends, essential tools and equipment, industry-recognized training certifications, and additional services that ensure young people have the resources they need to succeed.
“The long-term partnership we are creating with Operation Fresh Start will make a real difference in the lives of local residents by giving them the skills, tools and updated facilities they need to improve their economic situation,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President, Community Impact for Charter Communications, which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity services. “Thousands of people around the country have participated in SCCA in the neighborhoods we serve, and we look forward to working with Operation Fresh Start to provide essential job training in a safe and revitalized space.”
Spectrum also donated five new laptops, 15 Chromebooks, a smartboard and dedicated a new training and technology room to support the organization’s training and technology programs. Additionally, because broadband is a critical component of a community center’s infrastructure, Spectrum is providing Operation Fresh Start with its advanced 1 gigabit-per-second internet service for the life of the program.
“This investment from Spectrum strengthens both the quality and accessibility of our workforce development programs,” said Brian McMahon, Executive Director of Operation Fresh Start. “The addition of high-speed internet, upgraded technology, and new training equipment allows us to create a more dynamic and connected learning environment. These improvements will help us better prepare young people for success in today’s workforce and ensure they have the tools they need to thrive.”
Founded in 1970, Operation Fresh Start specializes in providing young adults, ages 16-24, in Dane County with a path to self-sufficiency through education, mentoring and employment training. Operation Fresh Start graduates earn their high school diploma, driver’s license, certifications in construction or conservation, and gain career readiness skills.
Spectrum launched Spectrum Community Center Assist in 2021 and will invest $30 million to benefit 100 community centers and job training programs in underserved areas across the company’s 41-state footprint. At each location, Spectrum invests in the community center’s job training efforts with cash grants and in-kind contributions, improves physical classroom spaces, sponsors rebuilding events with volunteers to repair and enhance the physical buildings, and provides new equipment, including laptops and furniture.
More information about Spectrum Community Center Assist is available here.
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 with services available to more than 57 million homes and businesses in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, supported by a 100% U.S.-based workforce, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.
More information can be found at corporate.charter.com.
