Innovative STEM Alliance Program Gets A Boost From Spectrum

MOUNT VERNON, NY — A unique program in Mount Vernon that provides low-income residents with access to devices, services and technology education opportunities has earned the attention of one of the world's largest communications companies.

Spectrum has awarded a $20,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant to The STEM Alliance for its Digital Pathways Program, which serves people according to their digital needs and helps accordingly.

The STEM Alliance’s Digital Pathways Program partners with community nonprofits to reach "digitally distressed" and historically underserved residents throughout Westchester. Through the Spectrum Digital Education grant, The STEM Alliance hosted two cohorts in Mount Vernon with participants at The Family Restoration Project and seniors at The Episcopal Church of the Ascension.

Spectrum presented a check to The STEM Alliance on Tuesday at the Church of the Ascension in Mount Vernon. Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, STEM Alliance President Margaret Käufer and Charter Communications VP of Community Impact Rahman Khan were on hand to celebrate the award.

"The importance of expanding access to essential broadband technologies, education and training is profound in our increasingly digital world," Khan said. "Through the 2023 Spectrum Digital Education grant program, Charter Communications is partnering with valued nonprofits like The STEM Alliance that share our commitment to create better opportunities for the communities we serve."

The STEM Alliance was conceived to bridge gaps in education to provide equal access to critical science, technology, engineering and math learning resources with the goal of empowering communities, inspiring innovation and creating opportunity for all, organizers said. The organization's mission is centered in three distinct areas, afterschool STEM enrichment, STEM summer enrichment and digital equity.

"Spectrum’s philanthropic support is deeply appreciated as we work to bridge the digital divide in Mount Vernon in Westchester County," Käufer said. "We all know that digital tools and skills are critical to economic opportunity in today’s world. Spectrum is building equity of opportunity through our Digital Pathways initiatives."

The STEM Alliance is one of five organizations in the greater New York City area to receive grants from the Spectrum Digital Education grant program. BRIC, Greenwich House, iKhodi and Public Housing Community Fund also earned awards.

"Mount Vernon is deeply grateful for Spectrum's generous support of The STEM Alliance's Digital Pathways Program," said Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard. "This $20,000 Spectrum Digital Education grant will empower our community by providing crucial resources for digital literacy and access, ensuring that all residents have the tools they need to thrive in our increasingly digital world. We also extend our appreciation for the invaluable partnerships forged by The STEM Alliance, reaching those who are most in need throughout Westchester."

In 2023, Spectrum awarded $1.1 million total to 46 nonprofit organizations across 14 states through Spectrum Digital Education, which supports technology programs, education and training in unserved and underserved communities throughout the company’s service area.

Since the program’s 2017 launch, Spectrum has committed more than $9 million total to the initiative and has awarded 261 grants to 143 unique partners. As of September 2023, Spectrum Digital Education has helped to fund more than 37,000 digital education classes, distribute over 16,000 devices including laptops and support the creation of 157 tech labs.

More information about Spectrum Digital Education and Charter’s philanthropic initiatives to support communities can be found here.