More than a Computer Lab: Cox Innovation Labs Spark Kids’ STEM Interest for 20 Years

Beyond online gaming and socializing, technology is revolutionizing the way kids learn in school, from keeping up with assignments to firing off college applications.

But not all students have equal access to technology. From unreliable internet to shoestring school budgets, Boys & Girls Clubs of America are determined to bridge these gaps, offering more youth the tools they need to succeed in school, career and life.

We’re not one to shy away from innovation. In fact, it’s right in the name of our collaboration with Cox Communications and the James M. Cox Foundation: Cox Innovation Labs.

For over 20 years, Cox Innovation Labs have enabled more than 100 Boys & Girls Clubs to introduce state-of-the-art technology to thousands of kids and teens. From robotics and VR to digital literacy, here are some of the ways Cox Innovation Labs are closing the digital divide and inspiring new generations.

Staying on Track in School

Image courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Southern Nevada.

Despite recent years’ uptick in online learning, there are still millions of students who can’t easily log on to the internet.

Many kids at the Woonsocket Clubhouse, part of Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island, rely on their Cox Innovation Lab’s high-speed internet not only to do their homework, but to explore over 9,000 online activities in STEM, language arts and Spanish.

“Thanks to the support of Cox, we were able to create the Cox Innovation Lab, which is the most used space in the entire building.” – Club staff member, Boys & Girls Clubs of Northern Rhode Island

Solving Real-World Problems with Robotics

Did you know computer programming and robotics are gaining popularity among Gen Z? In fact, 80% of youth surveyed by Boys & Girls Clubs of America want to learn more about science, computers and technology while half are interested in pursuing a STEM-related career.

Image courtesy of Fort Smith Boys & Girls Clubs.

Through their Cox Innovation Lab, Boys & Girls Club of Meriden in Connecticut launched a summer robotics camp and youth travel robotics team, the Gigabots. They’ve since won multiple state championships with projects like building a modular hydroponic garden.

In Fort Smith, Arkansas, more youth got into competitive robotics through their Club’s Lego Robotics program hosted in a Cox Innovation Lab. They, too, went on to win their state championship using the art and science of music therapy to benefit Alzheimer’s patients.

Moving Full STEAM Ahead

Image courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, AR.

Cox Innovation Labs have also set STEAM (science, technology, engineering, math and art) in motion at Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, AR. With new computers, supplies for experiments and educational software at the Club, kids dive into STEAM adventures every day, such as using their Lab’s Glowforge — a Wi-Fi-operated laser cutter — to create intricate patterns while learning advanced computer design. They even joined forces with a local children’s museum to conduct summer STEAM workshops for kids in their Cox Innovation Labs.

“I never thought I was good at science, but since I’ve been in the Cox Innovation STEAM Lab, I discovered that I’m actually pretty good at it!” – Oakleigh T., Club member, Boys & Girls Club of Benton County, AR

Images courtesy of Boys & Girls Club of Central Georgia and Boys & Girls Club of the Valley.

Testing Out Careers through Virtual Reality

Tech-savviness can go a long way, especially in today’s increasingly digital job market. From coast to coast, Cox Innovation Labs are preparing more Club youth for thriving STEM careers.

Teens at Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Georgia didn’t have to go far to explore a day in the life of over 50 careers using virtual reality goggles in their Lab. These experiences ranged from working as a nurse or doctor inside a hospital operating room to standing 80 feet in the sky as an electrician on a power line. Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley also added VR flight simulators, allowing Arizona teens to go on realistic space explorations.

The knowledge Club members gain from these experiences have been transformative, especially for teens like Jaden from Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada. After taking a hands-on VR workshop for an emergency medical technician, he was able to help an EMT support the survivor of a car crash in his community.

“I’ve learned that STEAM can be applied in daily life. As a kid, I used to build and take apart toy cars. I learned that there are different fields of engineering, including automobiles. In the future, I would love to be a diesel mechanic or a mechanical engineer. I have always been interested in how motors and cars work and the different parts that go into them.” – Club teen, Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley, AZ

Exposing young people to STEM early on is critical. Through our 20-year partnership, Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Cox Innovation Labs make this possible every day, inspiring new generations of doctors, scientists, engineers and innovators.

“In partnership with the James M. Cox Foundation, we’re working to ensure our children have the resources, support and the warm, safe spaces they need to learn, laugh, connect and succeed.” – Colleen Langner, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, Cox Communications

Learn more about all the ways Boys & Girls Clubs make STEM fun and engaging for all ages.

Image courtesy of Boys & Girls Clubs of Benton County, AR.

Great Futures in STEM Start Here

The future is bright and ever-evolving for those who choose STEM careers. Through Boys & Girls Clubs life and workforce readiness programs, kids and teens can explore their STEM interests, develop employability skills and apply their knowledge in real-world experiences — setting the stage for success in college, career and life.