Roy Drachman Clubhouse unveils new tech lab with support from Cox Communications
TUCSON AZ –November 12th, 2024–Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson recently celebrated the unveiling of a new technology-filled Innovation Lab at its Roy Drachman Clubhouse, made possible thanks to a $25,000 grant from Cox Communications. The Cox Innovation Lab was unveiled with a grand opening ceremony hosted by Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson on October 22nd. Denise Watters, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson CEO was joined by the Cox team – Mitch Sigsworth, Autumn van den Berg, Melissa Acuna, and Stephanie Healy for the dedication.
“We are so grateful for this long-standing partnership with Cox. They understand the needs of the youth we serve, and we are fortunate to receive these innovation labs in our Tucson clubhouses. These labs are equipped with the latest technology, allowing our club members to strengthen their STEM learning, said Denise Watters, Boys & Girls Club of Tucson CEO. “With this innovation centers, we are positioning our youth for great futures and that truly aligns with our mission.”
In the Roy Drachman Clubhouse, the Cox Innovation Lab will give local Boys & Girls Club members the freedom to explore their interest in STEM while providing those without a computer or internet access at home, a way to get connected and manage through distance learning. The lab includes laptop computers, furniture, 3D printers, Wi-Fi and internet services provided by Cox.
“Receiving this Cox Innovation Lab Grant has allowed us to provide new experiences and opportunities for our youth. I made it a priority to ask our Roy Drachman kids what they would want in this new lab. From getting iPad, headsets, and mini mics for our keystone teens to create a podcast, to purchasing VR headsets, we were able to create a space for our youth to be creative and give them access to equipment they’ve always wanted to use but never had access to,” said Air Bonillas, Roy Drachman Program Director, Boys & Girls Club of Tucson.
“Being able to attend the training in Atlanta helped me a lot with getting ideas and input from other club professionals, especially when it came to the layout of my lab and how to make the most out of a smaller lab space.”
A Longstanding Partnership
Cox’s partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America began in the 1970s and expanded significantly in 2004 with the launch of innovation labs, making 2024 a milestone year that celebrates two decades of growth and impact. Today, over 100 Cox Innovation Labs operate nationwide, benefiting thousands of kids and teens in Clubs across the nation each year.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this new lab and 20 years of innovation, thanks to the generosity and vision of the James M. Cox Foundation,” said Lisa Lovallo, Cox Market Vice President for Southern Arizona”. Every child deserves the opportunity to dream big, and as a longstanding partner of Roy Drachman Clubhouse, Cox remains committed to providing Tucson the resources our community needs to help build a better future for the next generation.”
Cox continues to make great strides in expanding broadband access in Tucson. Through community partnerships with organizations like Boys & Girls Clubs, Connect2Compete (C2C) and CARES Act funding, Cox is moving the needle on bridging the digital divide for families and students across the communities it serves.
To watch it on the news: https://youtu.be/FBt4gXOqvO8?si=nyY25tY3cRuxgL1N
