Spectrum presented a $22,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant to El Puente on December 13 during the organization’s DiscoTech event. From left: Damelvy Rodriguez, Senior Manager of Community Impact at Spectrum; Marco A. Carrión, Executive Director of El Puente. Photo credit: Spectrum

Spectrum has awarded a $22,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant to El Puente de Williamsburg, Inc., for its Digital Education Curriculum. Spectrum presented the check to El Puente on December 13 at the organization’s DiscoTech, an interactive, hands-on digital workshop series featuring a unique blend of digital education and entertainment.

“The importance of expanding access to essential broadband technologies, education and training is profound in our increasingly digital world,” said Mike Williams, Regional Vice President of the NYC Region for Spectrum. “Through the Spectrum Digital Education grant program, Charter is partnering with valued nonprofits that share our commitment to create better opportunities for the communities we serve.”

El Puente will utilize the funding to support hands-on training, in both English and Spanish, in tech skills and digital access to build the capacity and confidence of community members. The organization utilizes a digital education curriculum that introduces the fundamentals of technology and internet connectivity and trains community members at the El Puente Community Center. El Puente serves primarily low-income, Spanish-speaking residents with limited access to devices and internet connectivity at home.

“Digital justice removes barriers to access and connectivity and directs tools and technology for the leadership, engagement, and self-determination of those communities most impacted by the digital divide,” said Marco A. Carrión, Executive Director of El Puente. “The Spectrum Digital Education grant will advance Digital Literacy, Navigation, and Stewardship toward better education, employment, and health outcomes for youth and families in South Williamsburg and Bushwick.”

El Puente is a human rights institution working to inspire and nurture leadership for peace and justice. Based in NYC and Puerto Rico with national and international impact, El Puente creates community-led movements of self-determination among low-income, oppressed peoples, Latinx and communities of color through a holistic leadership and membership model and high impact youth and community development programs.

Spectrum’s Commitment: $10 Million and Counting

Since launching in 2017, Spectrum Digital Education has committed more than $10 million to nonprofits focused on improving digital literacy, workforce development and educational access in unserved and undeserved communities across Charter’s 41-state service area. Through direct support of nonprofit partners across Spectrum’s footprint, Spectrum Digital Education has helped distribute over 18,500 laptops and sponsor more than 42,000 digital education classes, benefiting over 173,000 community members. This year, El Puente is one of 66 nonprofit organizations across the country that has been awarded a 2024 Spectrum Digital Education grant.

Locally, El Puente is one of five New York City area recipients of the 2024 Spectrum Digital Education grant. First Corinthian Baptist Church Community Development Corporation, Greenwich House, Public Housing Community Fund and The STEM Alliance also received grants.

More information about Spectrum Digital Education and Charter’s philanthropic initiatives to support communities is available here.

El Puente’s Executive Director Marco A. Carrión addresses the group at DiscoTech, an interactive, hands-on digital workshop series featuring a unique blend of digital education and entertainment. Photo credit: El Puente

About El Puente

Founded in 1982 by Luis Garden Acosta, El Puente is a nonprofit human rights institution dedicated to inspiring and nurturing leaders for peace and justice. With roots in NYC and Puerto Rico and a global impact, El Puente empowers low-income, Latine, and communities of color through community-led movements, holistic leadership models, and transformative youth and community development programs. Through initiatives like the Green Light District, El Puente combats the disempowerment of gentrification by fostering community leadership in areas such as citizen science advocacy for cleaner air, increased green spaces, and thriving community gardens. From pre-professional arts training at its cornerstone community centers to the nation’s first human rights-focused public high school, El Puente is a driving force for self-determination and social change for Los Sures and beyond. For more information, visit elpuente.org or follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X.

About Spectrum 

Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivitycompany and cable operator with services available to more than 58 million homes and businesses in 41 states. Over an advanced communications network, the Company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.  

For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The Company also distributes award-winning news coverage and sports programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.