2019 Cox Charities Communications STEAM Learning Grant Awarded to the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA
Meriden, CT – The Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA was one of three Connecticut non-profit organizations who received grants from Cox Communications for their commitment to STEAM learning. The 2019 honorees were recognized at an event held at Cox’s offices in Manchester.
The Cox Charities Community Grant Program is an application-based process open to any nonprofit organization providing STEAM learning programs to students, with grant awards ranging from $2,500 - $12,000. Organizations submit an overview of how they would utilize funding if chosen to receive a grant, and the 2019 honorees have committed to implementing cutting-edge programming.
The Meriden YMCA will develop a variety of program offerings for at-risk middle school students interested in engineering, robotics, and the environment.
“The Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA is honored to receive a 2019 Cox Charities Grant to enrich, and expand, our STEM offerings,” said John Benigni, CEO of the Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA. “Students will participate in hands-on STEM learning that is aligned to the Next Generation Science Standards including Family STEM Nights, after school enrichment, and summer STEM Camps. Our students will gain a better understanding of STEM concepts beyond the classroom. We are grateful to Cox Charities for their continued support.” The Meriden-New Britain-Berlin YMCA previously received grants from COX in 2018 and 2016.
The organizations were recognized during a ceremony attended by several community leaders and elected officials. In attendance were Meriden legislators Rep. Mary Abrams, Rep. Catherine Abercrombie, and Rep. Hilda Santiago; Rep. Geoff Luxenberg (Manchester); Sen. Steve Cassano (Manchester); Rep. Tom Delnicki (South Windsor, Cox Charities Advisory Council); and April DiFalco, president, Manchester Chamber of Commerce (Cox Charities Advisory Council).
“The work that our community partners are doing to provide students with access to cutting-edge STEAM programming is awe inspiring,” said Jay Allbaugh, senior vice president and region manager, Cox Communications. “Considering how important it is that children explore new arenas of technology to shape their educational experiences and eventual career paths, it cannot be underestimated how valuable these organizations are to the communities they serve.”
Through the Cox Charities program, the company has presented more than $6 million in grants and in-kind support to organizations throughout Connecticut, Rhode Island and Cleveland, Ohio. For more information about the program, please visit www.CoxCharitiesne.org.
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About Cox Communications:
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and digital media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in broadband, voice and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For nine years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among Diversity Inc.'s Top 50 Companies for Diversity 11 times. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.
About the Y
The Y is one of the nation’s leading nonprofits strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Across the U.S., 2,700 Ys engage 22 million men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background – to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored in more than 10,000 communities, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Visit https://www.meridenymca.org/programs/stem/ to learn about our STEM programs.