Connect2Compete Helps Students And Families Skip The “Summer Slide”

Ohio families can avoid the reduction in student achievement caused by summer vacation by accessing a low-cost internet service offered through Cox Communications known as Connect2Compete (C2C). In addition, Cox also announced the expansion of the Cox Digital Academy to include free Spanish-language resources designed to broaden opportunities for the Hispanic population through technology. 

C2C provides a discounted internet plan for families with at least one K-12 student living in public housing, qualifying for a free or reduced school lunch through the National School Lunch Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Cox Digital Academy, also part of Cox’s commitment to narrow the digital divide, offers valuable online resource for parents, students and educators seeking to improve their digital skills. 

According to a Brookings study, students’ achievement scores declined over summer vacation by one month’s worth of school-year learning and declines were more pronounced for math than reading. Importantly, the study’s authors also concluded that income-based reading gaps grew over the summer, given that middle class students tended to show improvement in reading skills while lower-income students tended to experience loss.

“We’re making summer learning possible for students who might otherwise encounter what’s known as the ‘summer slide’,” said Jennifer Bramley, vice president of government and public affairs for Cox Communications. “With a fast, reliable internet connection at home, the entire family can remain engaged with their child’s education. Students can access summer reading lists, collaborate with friends on extra-curricular projects, or pursue internships that require independent study while earning school credits.”

Key elements of the Connect2Compete program include:

  • Internet access at the discounted price of $9.95/month.
  • No price increases, no activation fees, and no equipment rental fees associated with the high-speed Internet program for two years.
  • Free in-home WiFi, free installation and free access to hundreds of thousands of WiFi hotspots strategically located in markets across the country through Cox WiFi and Cable WiFi.
  • In addition to families participating in the National School Lunch Program, eligibility also extends to families with at least one K-12 student who live in HUD-assisted housing, or receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The Cox Digital Academy features content, tools and resources from Common Sense Media, EVERFI and the Public Library Association. Spanish-language resources available through the Cox Digital Academy range from computer and internet basics to educational games for students of all ages.  

For more information or to sign up for Connect2Compete, call 1-855-222-3252 or visit www.connect2compete.org/cox. More information on the Cox Digital Academy here: www.cox.com/aboutus/connect2compete/digital-academy.html.

 

Jeff Lavery

Jeff Lavery is the public relations manager for Cox Communications in the northeast region. 

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Volume 14, Issue 15, Posted 1:35 PM, 08.07.2018