Cox Innovation Lab Expands Opportunity for Local Youth at Boys & Girls Club Thanks to a Grant From the James M. Cox Foundation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MEDIA CONTACT:
Melany Stroupe, Melany.stroupe@cox.com

Cox Innovation Lab Expands Opportunity for Local Youth at Boys & Girls Club 

Thanks to a Grant From the James M. Cox Foundation 

Grant supports digital learning, workforce readiness and safe technology use for Youth in Tucson

Tucson, Arizona – May 12, 2026 – Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson today announced a $25,000 grant from the James M. Cox Foundation to enhance the Cox Innovation Lab at its Jim and Vicki Click Clubhouse location. The updated space will provide kids and teens with expanded access to technology, digital learning and career-connected experiences. The Innovation Lab refurbishment is scheduled to be completed in early Fall 2026.

The renovated Innovation lab will feature upgraded laptops and tablets, STEM kits, a collaborative smartboard, a virtual reality headset, equipment for podcasting and vlogging, new furniture and so much more. These enhancements will help young people complete schoolwork, build digital skills and explore future career pathways. The lab is expected to serve hundreds of Club kids each year, including many who may not have consistent access to technology or broadband at home.

“We are so grateful to the James M. Cox Foundation and the long-standing partnership with Cox. These labs are equipped with the latest technology, allowing our Club members to foster creativity and enhance their academic success,” said Tony Penn, Boys & Girls Club of Tucson interim CEO. “With this renovated innovation lab, we are positioning our youth for great futures and that truly aligns with our mission.”

“Access to technology opens the door to opportunity. This investment from the James M. Cox Foundation will give young people in Tucson the tools they need to succeed in school today and prepare for the careers of tomorrow," said Chad Hartman, National Vice President Corporate Partnerships & Engagement at Boys & Girls Clubs of America. “We’re grateful for this partnership, which helps ensure more kids and teens can build essential digital skills in a safe, supportive environment.”

“Empowering the next generation is Cox’s North Star,” said Stephanie Healy, Southern Arizona Vice President, Cox Communications. “Thanks to the generosity of the James M. Cox Foundation, this lab will help open even more doors of opportunity for Club members here in Tucson.”

Looking Ahead 

As Cox continues to expand broadband access and promote digital inclusion in Southern Arizona, partnerships with trusted community organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs play a critical role in helping families get connected and stay connected. Cox Innovation Labs serve as hubs for creativity, collaboration and hands-on learning, supporting academic success, career exploration and responsible digital citizenship.

Cox and Boys & Girls Clubs of America share a commitment to helping kids and teens use technology safely, responsibly and confidently. Through Innovation Lab programming, young people are encouraged to build healthy digital habits, learn about online safety and privacy, and develop the skills needed to navigate the digital world with confidence.

Families and community members are encouraged to learn more about safe technology use and explore available digital safety resources at www.cox.com/awwr.

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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 biodiversity, conservation and environment; early childhood education; health; and empowering families and individuals for success.

About Cox Communications

Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we own network infrastructure that reaches more than 30 states. Our fiber-powered wireline and wireless connections are available to more than 12 million homes and businesses and support advanced cloud and managed IT services nationwide. We're the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox that is dedicated to empowering others to build a better future for the next generation.

About Boys & Girls Clubs of America
For more than 160 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA.org) has provided a safe place for kids and teens to learn and grow. Clubs offer caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Boys & Girls Clubs programming promotes academic success, good character and leadership, and healthy lifestyles. Over 5,500 Clubs serve more than 4 million young people through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native lands throughout the country, and serve military families in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. The national headquarters is located in Atlanta. Learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of America on Facebook and LinkedIn.