Cox Communications announced today a $150,000 gift to Boys & Girls Clubs of America from The James M. Cox Foundation. The gift will create seven new Cox Technology Centers to help bridge the digital divide for children who have no access to a computer or Internet connection at home. Boys & Girls Club members can use the Cox Technology Centers to assist with homework, research, job searches and college preparation.

"We're proud of our long-standing partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to provide youth in our communities access to state-of-the-art equipment, educational software platforms and best practices for staying safe online," said Cox Communications President Pat Esser. "Collectively, we are working to ensure Club members are prepared to thrive in today's digital world."

Since 2002, Cox has contributed more than $20 million in cash and in-kind support to BGCA.

The seven Cox Technology Centers will open in the following locations:

• Boys & Girls Club of Sierra Vista, Sierra Vista, Ariz.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego, San Diego, Calif.
• Boys & Girls Club of Oceanside, Oceanside, Calif.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Emerald Coast, Pensacola, Fla.
• Boys & Girls Club of Pawtucket, Pawtucket, R.I.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of Acadiana, Lafayette, La.
• Boys & Girls Clubs of the Midlands, Inc., Omaha, Neb.

"To be productive citizens in the 21st century, young people need digital access for professional and academic success," said Dr. Damon A. Williams, Senior Vice President, Program, Training and Youth Development Services at BGCA. "More than 75 percent of colleges take their applications online, and nearly all Fortune 500 companies post new jobs through their websites. We are thankful for Cox Communications' continued generosity to provide Club kids with Internet access—as no one should have to apply for a job on a smartphone."

Cox is also working to bridge the digital divide through Connect2Compete, a program that offers discounted Internet service to families with children who qualify for the National Free School Lunch program. In addition to offering Essential Cox High Speed Internet service to eligible families for the significantly reduced fee, Cox includes free installation and modem rental.

The James M. Cox Foundation supports organizations in locations where Cox Enterprises and its subsidiaries operate. The company's major subsidiaries are Cox Communications, Manheim, Cox Media Group and AutoTrader Group.  Cox Enterprises' national consumer brands are AutoTrader.com,Kelley Blue Book, Savings.com and Valpak.