Cox Communications is happy to announce the results of a survey among its customers in the Connect2Compete program – a program designed for low-income students who need internet access at home to compete in the classroom.  The vast majority of parents agree low-cost internet service at home gives children a leg up for high school graduation (91 percent) and helps students get higher grades (89 percent). The overwhelming majority of survey respondents reported the Connect2Compete program is beneficial, and they have experienced improvements as a result of having the internet service at home.

“The majority of K-12 teachers assign internet-based homework, but students can’t take the internet home in a backpack,” said Bonnie Lopez-Crowe, Cox Middle Georgia market  vice president. “With convenient, reliable internet access at home, students can readily focus on their school work, explore their curiosities and ultimately reach their full potential in life.”

Parents participating in the program agree the greatest benefits are the convenience of having internet access at home and using the internet as a resource for their children’s education (97 percent of parents agreed with both statements). The survey also revealed parents participating in the program agree Connect2Compete:

Makes it easier to communicate with teachers and the school (95 percent)

Sets children up for success (94 percent)

Makes children more interested in school work (88 percent)

The survey also revealed most Connect2Compete customers are first-time internet users. Many first-time internet users lack the digital literacy skills necessary to make the most of their internet connection. To help bridge this gap, Cox Communications offers free digital literacy training and resources through the Cox Digital Academy. The digital literacy training is designed to empower low-income families to build educational, economic and social opportunities crucial to realize the full potential of a home internet connection.