Time Warner Cable Awards $100K in Grants to Local Organizations for STEM Projects

Seven local organizations are the first beneficiaries of more than $100,000 in grants from Time Warner Cable's Connect a Million Minds (CAMM) initiative.  Time Warner Cable launched CAMM to address America's declining proficiency in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).

"Because of the economic downturn, many companies cut back on community support.  I'm pleased to announce we are providing funding and resources that will have a positive impact on more than 6,000 young minds this year alone," said Mike Smith, area vice president of Time Warner Cable's Charlotte operations. 

Organizations receiving support include Girl Scouts, Hornets' Nest Council, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Boys & Girls Clubs, Invent Kids Now!, Junior Achievement, Discovery Place and Pine Lake Preparatory.  Funds will be used for a variety of projects including a forensics program, computer lab, field trips to Discovery Place, education-based summer camp programs and support for existing and new FIRST robotics teams.  "Contributions like this are critical because youth interest in science and engineering is rapidly declining, while 80% of job in the future will require science and math skills," said Sally Daley, CEO of Girl Scouts, Hornets' Nest Council.

In addition to providing financial support, Time Warner Cable is also empowering its employees to support the initiative.  Charlotte area employees will host "tech day" events throughout the year at their training facility in Matthews.  Students will experience a behind-the-scenes look at technology used to deliver cable TV and interactive services.

Smith stated that additional funds will be awarded this year and each subsequent year through 2014.  "Over the next five years, we plan to provide more than $1 million in grants in the Charlotte area.