Knicks Alumnus John Wallace gives tips to kids at the Cross Island YMCA in St. Albans for the YMCA of Greater New York and New York Knicks afterschool clinic, presented by Spectrum. Photo credit: YMCA
The YMCA of Greater New York and the New York Knicks announced the fifth year of their partnership, with upcoming basketball clinics, presented by Spectrum, designed to expand youth development opportunities and bring engaging, skill-building sports programming to communities across New York City. Since 2021, the YMCA and the Knicks have hosted basketball clinics featuring Jr. Knicks coaches and former Knicks players – reaching more than 1,000 young New Yorkers over the years.
“We’re thrilled to celebrate five years of partnership with the New York Knicks, working together to ensure that all young people have access to enriching experiences that keep them happy, healthy, and safe,” said Sharon Greenberger, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater New York. “By hosting clinics through our programs like Saturday Night Lights and Teen Night Out, this collaboration has allowed us to provide high-quality opportunities that help teens build skills and confidence on and off the court, while fostering belonging, leadership, and long-term personal growth.”
“Working with the YMCA, especially having grown up being involved in their programming, has been an honor over the past four years,” said Knicks Alumnus Larry Johnson. “As we head into our fifth year, and together with our partner Spectrum, we look forward to continuing to join forces to provide excellent coaching and a safe environment for our local youth.”
“Giving young people access to learning and growth opportunities through sports has a positive impact that reaches beyond individual accomplishments,” said Camille Goldman, Spectrum’s Group Vice President of State Government Affairs. “We are committed to improving communities and making a meaningful impact where our customers and employees live and work. To further engage, we partner with organizations that share our focus on making an impact, such as the YMCA of Greater New York and the New York Knicks, because investing in opportunities for young people fosters stronger, more connected communities.”
Starting in January 2026 – after building on the success of clinics throughout 2025 – the organizations will partner with Spectrum to provide free, high-quality instruction through a series of clinics and a marquee spring event, cementing five years of collaboration. Held at YMCA branches and locations across the five boroughs, the clinics support kids and teens with mentorship, the opportunity to strengthen their ball handling and shooting skills, and building confidence through teamwork. The ongoing partnership reflects both the YMCA and the Knicks’ shared commitment to strengthening the foundation for New York City’s next generation.
Upcoming clinics include:
- Flatbush YMCA Clinic – Saturday, January 31, 5:30-7:30 PM
- Cross Island YMCA Clinic – Saturday, February 14, 5:30-7:30 PM
- Harlem YMCA Clinic – Saturday, February 28, 5:30-7:30 PM
- Flushing YMCA Clinic – Saturday, March 21, 5:30-7:30 PM
- Battle of the Boroughs Competition – Saturday, April 11, 6:00 – 8:00 PM
About the YMCA of Greater New York
For more than 170 years, the YMCA of Greater New York has been where New Yorkers find their purpose, their people, and their place. As New York City’s leading nonprofit advancing individual and community health and well-being for all, the Y empowers everyone, no matter who they are or where they’re from, by providing access and opportunities for all to learn, grow, and thrive. We provide a place to play, to be healthy, and to give back. We give parents childcare, young adults job training, seniors a way to connect, and children a safe place to go. By bringing people together from different backgrounds, perspectives, and generations, the Y improves overall health and well-being, ignites youth empowerment, and connects and supports diverse communities across New York City. Follow the Y on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @ymcanyc.
Spectrum to Award $1 Million in 2026 Spectrum Digital Education Grants
Grants Support Nonprofits That Connect Communities to Digital Skills Training, Tools and Resources
Spectrum will award $1 million in Spectrum Digital Education grants in 2026, bringing the program’s total investment to more than $12 million since 2017. Spectrum Digital Education partners with local nonprofits to help community members build their digital skills and access the tools and devices they need to succeed in their education, careers and everyday lives. Nonprofits can learn more and apply between February 2 and February 27.
Across Spectrum’s service area, Spectrum Digital Education supports nonprofits that help their community members – from seniors and veterans to students, working adults and families in need – access the digital education skills and tools they need to stay connected. Grants support initiatives like digital literacy programs, workforce readiness training, and efforts that provide donated or affordable laptops and other devices. Funding also helps power community tech spaces, like computer labs and learning hubs, where people can get hands-on support using online tools and services safely and effectively.
“Spectrum Digital Education is focused on removing real barriers by helping people build the digital skills required to apply for jobs, pursue education and manage essential online services,” said Rahman Khan, Group Vice President, Community Impact. “Through our nonprofit partnerships, we help turn connectivity into capability by creating pathways to opportunity and independence.”
Measurable Impact in Communities Across the U.S.
Since launching in 2017, Spectrum Digital Education has:
- Awarded 382 grants to 202 unique organizations
- Supported programs benefiting over 200,000 community members across 41 states
- Helped nonprofits issue more than 20,000 laptops and devices and sponsor nearly 50,000 digital education classes
Highlights from the 2025 Spectrum Digital Education grant cycle include:
- Adult Learning Center in Spartanburg, SC: Provides workforce training including GED prep, pre-employment testing and computer skills classes. Grant funding supports digital literacy programs that help adult learners build foundational skills tied to employment.
- The Science Zone in Casper, WY: Delivers hands-on STEAM education to youth across central Wyoming. Spectrum’s grant expands access to coding, robotics tools and interactive learning experiences.
- Project Hawaii in Hilo, HI: Supports homeless and at-risk youth in Hawaii. Grant funding powers a teen mentoring program that provides computers, technical training and a resource lounge focused on academic success and career readiness.
- Seniors in Service in Tampa Bay, FL: Connects volunteers aged 55 and older to serve seniors, veterans and children in the community. Spectrum’s grant supports digital education for older adults, including training on accessing essential online services.
- Loaves, Fishes & Computers in Salinas, CA: Provides low-cost devices and digital literacy to families. Grant funding supports computer refurbishment and skills training that puts functional technology into more homes.
To be eligible for a Spectrum Digital Education grant, organizations must serve communities within Spectrum’s 41-state service area and have 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. More information on how to apply is available on the Spectrum Digital Education grants page.
About Spectrum
Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company available to 58 million homes and small to large businesses across 41 states. Founded in 1993, Charter has evolved from providing cable TV to streaming, and from high-speed Internet to a converged broadband, WiFi and mobile experience. Over the Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network and supported by our 100% U.S.-based employees, the Company offers Seamless Connectivity and Entertainment with Spectrum Internet®, Mobile, TV and Voice products.
More information can be found at corporate.charter.com.
