$20k grant from RapidScale brings Innovation Lab to Boys & Girls Club of Wake County
Raleigh, N.C. – Dec. 14, 2022 – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Wake County celebrated the launch of a new technology-filled Innovation Lab, made possible by a $20,000 grant from RapidScale, a Cox Business Company. The RapidScale Innovation Lab was welcomed with a grand opening ceremony held at Washington Elementary on Tuesday, December 13, 2022.
As a subsidiary of Cox Business, RapidScale’s donation is part of a greater $150,000 gift from The James M. Cox Foundation to create five new Innovation Labs across the nation, develop STEM programming and provide training for the Boys & Girls Club staff. The Innovation Labs are the cornerstone of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America Club Tech program, which provide students access to curriculum to advance their computer literacy skills. These Innovation Labs also help bridge the digital divide for children without access to a computer or internet connection at home.
According to the President/CEO of the Boy’s Girls Clubs serving Wake County Ralph Capps, the club’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. “Our goal is to level the playing field so that all kids have access to the support, guidance, and resources they need to succeed in life,” said Capps. “That’s what makes RapidScale’s contribution to this Innovation Lab so meaningful. It provides our kids with state-of-the-art technology with which to explore and learn, which is not only fun for our kids but is vital to helping them succeed academically and build great careers and futures.”
The RapidScale Innovation Lab provides new and innovative technology and support to help bridge the digital divide that exists for many young people in Wake County. It will give the children going to the Boys & Girls Club the freedom to explore their interest in STEM while providing those without a computer or internet access a way to get connected and manage through distance learning. It includes computers, iPads, a Smart TV, cameras, engineering kits, and more.
“A reliable connection to the internet is more important now than ever before,” said Duane Barnes, vice president, and general manager of RapidScale. “We’re committed to ensuring our children are connected at school, at home, and right here at the Boys & Girls Club where so many children spend their afternoons. We look forward to the incredible achievements we’re going to see from all of these bright kids in the coming years.”
In addition to the Innovation Lab grant from RapidScale, Cox has made great strides in expanding broadband access through infrastructure investment, broadband adoption programs, and community support and engagement. Since 2012, Cox has been dedicated to helping make the internet accessible for students, families, and everyone in the community.
Check out the live stream of the grand opening here: https://fb.watch/hoJ5yG7hag/
About RapidScale
For IT and business leaders looking to scale, secure, and simplify their IT, RapidScale, a Cox Business Company, is the next-generation managed cloud services provider that aggregates best-in-class cloud technology under a single management portal, enabling IT to accomplish more and providing an exceptional end-user experience. By delivering simple and secure access to company data and applications from anywhere, any time, on any device, RapidScale sets itself apart from other cloud providers through its team of technology experts, award-winning end-user customer support, flexible co-management options, and easy-to-use management portal. For more information on RapidScale, visit http://www.rapidscale.net.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. The largest private broadband company in America, we proudly serve six and a half million homes and businesses across 18 states. We’re dedicated to empowering others to build a better future and celebrate diverse products, people, suppliers, communities, and the characteristics that make each one unique. Cox Communications is the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox.
About The James M. Cox Foundation
The James M. Cox Foundation is named in honor of Cox Enterprises’ founder and provides funding for capital campaigns and special projects in communities where the company operates. James M. Cox was Ohio’s first three-term governor and the 1920 Democratic nominee for president of the United States.
The Foundation concentrates its community support in several areas, including conservation and environment; early childhood education; empowering families and individuals for success; and health.
About Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake County
Since 1967, Boys & Girls Clubs serving Wake County has provided academic assistance, positive mentors and role models, sports, and other wholesome activities that reinforce positive youth development. By providing a safe place for kids to go after school and during the summer, help with homework, STEM classes, nutritious meals, positive mentors, leadership training, and college scholarships, Boys & Girls Clubs provides opportunities for children in our community – especially those who need us most – to break out of the cycle of poverty and pursue rewarding, self-sufficient lives. For more information or to donate to Great Futures for Wake County’s kids, visit wakebgc.org.
Media Contacts
John Welch, Boys & Girls Clubs
jwelch@wakebgc.org
Nikki Salazar, RapidScale, a Cox Business Company
nikki.salazar@rapidscale.net