Cox Communications today announced that Sunday, February 1, will be the kickoff of Cox Connects Middle Georgia, a month-long event aimed at closing the digital divide by connecting low-income families to the Internet.  During Cox Connects Middle Georgia month, families who sign up for Connect2Compete during the month of February could receive a free computer courtesy of a grant from the James M. Cox Foundation.  The grant, awarded to the Capital Area Corporate Recycling Council in Baton Rouge, LA, is supplying 500 computers to families in Cox’s Southeast Region including Middle Georgia.  To have a chance to receive a free computer, families just need to sign up for Connect2Compete before February 28, 2015.

Today, 76 percent of teachers assign Internet-based homework that students without broadband and digital skills struggle to complete.  Students with a computer and broadband at home have higher graduation rates than those without.  Approximately one-third of Americans are at risk of becoming isolated from contemporary life because they lack the Internet service and skills necessary to use it effectively. That’s why Cox partnered with Connect2Compete a national, not-for-profit initiative that works to bring students and families on line by providing high-speed Internet at only $9.95 a month and free digital literacy training.  Families with at least one child receiving free school meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) could be eligible. 

For more information, or sign up for Connect2Compete, customers can call 1-855-222-3252, or by visiting www.connect2compete.org/cox.