OCA AND CHARTER COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER FOR SPECTRUM SCHOLARS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

5 May 2020

Contact: Eiley Fong | Communications Associate
202.223.5500 | eiley.fong@ocanational.org

Washington, DC - OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates, in partnership with Charter Communications Inc., is excited to announce the launch of Spectrum Scholars, a two-year educational program for eligible rising juniors with financial need. This is part of a larger commitment Charter has made to four organizations.

The $20,000 scholarship will be awarded over a period of two years to five students. Students selected as Spectrum Scholars will participate in a structured, two-year program that will focus on professional development. Beginning in the 2020-2021 academic year, students also will receive a Charter mentor and the opportunity to explore an internship at Charter, one of the nation’s largest broadband and connectivity companies. There are criteria that students will need to meet, in addition to an application process to be selected for the scholarship. 

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with Charter Communications Inc. to give students the opportunity of a lifetime,” said Rita Pin Ahrens, Executive Director of OCA. “This scholarship helps bridge the gap in education access, allowing students to pursue a college education that they would not have been able to afford otherwise.”

“Charter is committed to making a lasting difference in the communities we serve,” said Rhonda Crichlow, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Charter. “We are pleased to launch Spectrum Scholars, which will provide talented, underrepresented college students critical resources, mentoring and – importantly – access to opportunities. The launch of this program comes at a time when our communities need us most, and Charter is proud to play a critical role enabling students to continue their studies.”

Charter Communications is committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its business and strives to leverage the full diversity of its people and partners to make a meaningful difference for its customers, employees and communities. In addition to this commitment, Charter’s Community Impact team has developed several programs to improve local communities. In 2015, it launched its initial signature program, Spectrum Housing Assist, with the goal of improving 50,000 homes. To date, the company has reached more than 41,000 homes. In 2017, Charter expanded its philanthropic efforts by launching Spectrum Digital Education, which provides funding to local organizations helping to close the digital divide. Since the program’s inception, the company has committed $6 million in grants and in-kind support. In 2019, Spectrum Employee Community Grants was created to support employees’ volunteer work at local social and human services nonprofits. Last year, the company donated $250,000 to 140 organizations across 24 states for this program.

About Charter

Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 29 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. 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, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.

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About OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates

OCA–Asian Pacific American Advocates is a national civil rights organization dedicated to improving the social, political, and economic well-being of Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs).