Spectrum Awards $60,000 in Spectrum Digital Education Grants for Milwaukee Area Nonprofits

MILWAUKEE – September 27, 2023 – Spectrum today announced Serving Older Adults of Southeast Wisconsin and Digital Bridge have received a Spectrum Digital Education grant. In 2023, Spectrum is awarding $1.1 million total to 46 nonprofit organizations through Spectrum Digital Education, which supports broadband technology programs, education and training in unserved and underserved communities throughout the company’s service area.

“The importance of expanding access to essential broadband technologies, education and training is profound in our increasingly digital world,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President of Community Impact, Charter. “Through the 2023 Spectrum Digital Education grant program, Charter is partnering with valued nonprofits that share our commitment to create better opportunities for the communities we serve.”

Serving Older Adults of Southeast Wisconsin works to provide opportunities and services to adults 50 and older, with focus on those who are impoverished, underserved or isolated. The organization will use its $35,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant to support the Tech Connect for Older Adults program that provides access to technology training and devices for seniors.

“Many older adults are finding that technology can assist them with maintaining a simpler and more connected and fulfilled life,” said Cathy Wood, President and CEO of Serving Older Adults of Southeast Wisconsin. “We are stepping up to make technology easier for older adults to navigate by providing one-on-one training and small group classes designed specifically for their age group. This grant from Spectrum will help ensure equitable access to this vital program by allowing us to offer technology training to seniors throughout the community at no cost or very low cost to participants.”

Another Milwaukee organization, Digital Bridge, will receive a $25,000 Spectrum Digital Education Grant to support their Bridge Milwaukee program that works with nonprofits to provide no-cost desktops and laptops, along with computer training, tech support and a device warranty to community members in need. Digital Bridge is a nonprofit that recycles and refurbishes assets that are donated from corporate or individual donors. They then work with Milwaukee-area nonprofits to get the refurbished technology into the hands of those in need and provide further assistance through digital literacy training and tech support. The $25,000 grant is the third Spectrum Digital Education Grant awarded to Digital Bridge, bringing Spectrum’s total support for the organization to over X over the past 4 years.

“Spectrum has been a strong partner with Digital Bridge, helping us establish the Bridge Milwaukee program four years ago and finding ways to keep it growing strong as we work to bring more devices and literacy training to those who need it the most,” said Jeff Hanson, President and CEO of Digital Bridge. “Their continued support is helping us work to bridge the digital divide in Milwaukee, Ozaukee and Waukesha counties.”

Spectrum and both organizations plan to host celebration events later this year.

Spectrum’s Commitment: $9 Million and Counting

Serving Older Adults of Southeast Wisconsin and Digital Bridge are two of 46 nonprofit organizations across 14 states that Spectrum is supporting through the 2023 Spectrum Digital Education grants. Since the program’s 2017 launch, Spectrum has committed more than $9 million total to the initiative and has awarded 261 grants to 143 unique partners. As of September 2023, Spectrum Digital Education has helped to fund more than 30,000 digital education classes, distribute over 13,000 devices including laptops and support the creation of 157 tech labs.

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 32 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 and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.