HERNDON, Va., June 3, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- At a ribbon cutting ceremony today in Fairfax County, Cox Communications Virginia, joined by Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chairman Sharon Bulova, Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Acting Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn, Connect2Compete CEO Zach Leverenz and representatives from LULAC and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, announced the Virginia launch of Connect2Compete, a national not-for-profit initiative that aims to extend broadband Internet access to families with children (K-12) participating in the National Free Lunch program, by offering discounted high-speed Internet service.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130603/CL25340 )

"Cox has a strong history of supporting broadband adoption programs across the country, and doing so in a way that connects the most vulnerable members of our society - our children - so they can compete and have a greater chance of success in the digital world that awaits them," said Cox Virginia Senior Vice President and General Manager Gary McCollum.

"For years Cox Communications has been a tremendous partner to Fairfax County. With Connect2Compete launching in Virginia, disadvantaged children and families will have the opportunity to connect to the internet and the world," said Chairman Sharon Bulova.

Broadband adoption programs have been an important part of Cox's legacy.  The expansion to Virginia follows a successful pilot of the program; the C2C program is modeled after a broadband adoption program Cox started in Santa Barbara, CA in 2002.

"No one organization or company can make this all happen on their own.  It takes many partners to make a broadband adoption program possible. The Connect2Compete program does this by bringing together the top companies like Cox Communications and experts across industries to put a working computer with broadband service directly into the homes of students - making it easily accessible whenever the student needs it and thus, increasing learning opportunities," said Zach Leverenz, CEO of Connect2Compete.

"LULAC is proud to be a grassroots partner in an effort focused on closing the digital divide by expanding broadband adoption to eligible children in the Latino community," said LULAC National Executive Director Brent Wilkes.  "According to the Pew Hispanic Center, Latinos are less likely to have access to the Internet or to have a broadband connection at home.  The C2C program is important because studies indicate that students who have access to a computer at home have as much as an eight percent higher graduation rate.  LULAC will continue to focus on this important issue in order to ensure that our community is part of the digital age and as a result can contribute to America's competitiveness in an increasingly global market."

Registration for the program is open now until the end of the year.  Families that qualify will be eligible for high-speed Internet service for $9.95 per month, a free modem and free professional installation.  For more information on Cox's Connect2Compete offer, visit www.connect2compete.org/Cox.   

Video footage from the ceremony, which was streamed live over the Internet is available at www.coxlocal.com/connect2compete.

About Connect2Compete
Connect2Compete (C2C) is a national nonprofit that aims to eliminate the digital divide by making high-speed, low-cost Internet, computers, and free digital literacy accessible to all unconnected Americans. Technology and digital skills are essential to ensure future generations can compete in the global economy and to prepare them for the 21st century workforce. C2C aims to leverage the democratizing power of the Internet to provide opportunity to all Americans – regardless of age, race, geography, income, or education level. For more information, please visit www.connect2compete.org.

About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV 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 new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable, telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity eight times, including the last seven years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

SOURCE Cox Communications