Oceanside CA— On September 19, 2019 Boys & Girls Clubs of Oceanside (BGCO) held a Grand Re-Opening for their new Cox Tech Center! Cox Communications awarded BGCO with a $15,000 grant to transform their outdated teen building into a new Cox Tech Center complete with 10 brand new laptops, two digital cameras and podcast equipment.
Over 20 Club members attended the event, which included a pizza party and a presentation by digital safety expert and former BGCO Club member Jon Moffat, who works with Cox Communications to bring internet safety education to youth and parents around San Diego County. With a fresh coat of paint by volunteers from the North San Diego County Association of Realtors and brand new furniture, the Cox Tech Center looked great! Club members were so excited to see photographs they had taken displayed on the walls of the Center, and said the Teen Center looked “awesome.”
In a recent Club survey, BGCO found that over 15% of our Club members do not have a computer at home. This new Cox Tech Center will be instrumental in increasing access to technology for youth in Oceanside, allowing them to complete online homework assignments and pursue their passions in areas such as photography, video editing and podcasting.
Girls and minorities are traditionally underrepresented in STEM fields and half of BGCO members are female. Over 80% are from minority backgrounds. Through their Teens in Tech program, BGCO is bridging the STEM gap and helping youth develop the 21st century skills necessary to be competitive in STEM careers.
“We are so grateful for Cox’s generous donation and long-term partnership,” said Jodi Diamond, CEO. “With Cox’s support, Club members will have access to state of the art technology, leveling the playing field for youth in our community.
If you are a tech company who would like to volunteer with BGCO’s Teen in Tech program or if you would like more information about BGCO, please contact Vanessa Mendez at vmendez@BGCOceanside.org, call (760) 433-8920, and visit our website BGCOceanside.org or Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/BGCOside.