FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 20, 2014
CONTACT
Spenser Blank, Public Relations Intern
(702) 545-1084 or spenser.blank@cox.com
Juergen Barbusca, Manager of Communications
(702) 545-1004 or juergen.barbusca@cox.com
Cox Las Vegas unveils a five-year, $175,000 commitment to fund diversity scholarships and announces the first 16 recipients at inaugural annual gathering
LAS VEGAS Cox Communications-Las Vegas today announced a new initiative to support diversity scholarships for higher education and launched a five-year commitment to fund the scholarships with $175,000 at its inaugural Diversity Scholarship Breakfast at TPC Summerlin this morning. Cox Las Vegas also awarded 16 college bound high school graduates from ethnically diverse communities in Southern Nevada with its first diversity scholarships during a formal presentation ceremony.
“Cox Las Vegas has been a big supporter of education and diversity ever since we first arrived in Southern Nevada, ” said Mike Bolognini, market vice president of Cox Las Vegas. “And we’re now funding a new scholarship initiative with $175,000 geared specifically toward college bound students from diverse communities. We’re extremely pleased about making this level of investment in the education of our local youth from diverse backgrounds.”
The competitive scholarships required applicants to graduate with a minimum 2.5 grade-point average, provide demonstrated leadership and community service, and submit an essay focused on a significant leader from their respective diverse communities.
“Cox strives to engage and connect with diverse communities all around the country,” said Lissiah Hundley, corporate director of diversity & inclusion for Atlanta-based Cox Communications. “We strongly believe it is our social responsibility to cultivate partnerships with diverse communities and organizations, and this five-year commitment fittingly demonstrates our pledge to support students of all backgrounds as they embark on their journey toward higher education.”
Cox Las Vegas has created eight branded diversity scholarships in partnership with well-respected, leading local diverse organizations in Southern Nevada. The diversity scholarships along with this year’s inaugural recipients all of whom are graduates of Clark County School District schools include:
1. Cox and 100 Black Men Diversity Scholarship
* Jana Burd, Valley High School
* Abrielle Abott-Williams, Northwest Career & Technical Academy
2. Cox and Organization of Chinese Americans Diversity Scholarship
* John Vincent Parin, Clark High School
* Sun Park, Silverado High School
3. Cox and Fiesta Las Vegas Latino Parade and Festival Diversity Scholarship
* Mayra Corona, East Career and Technical Academy
* Isabella Munguia, Western High School
4. Cox and Hawaiian Civic Club Diversity Scholarship
* Nakoa Dudoit, Basic High School
* Alicia Lealao, Chaparral High School
5. Cox and NAACP Las Vegas Diversity Scholarship
* Keyah Hall, Mojave High School
* Jai McClean, Chaparral High School
6. Cox and Puerto Rican Association Diversity Scholarship
* David Sanchez, Legacy High School
* Vada Ortiz, Moapa Valley High School
7. Cox and The Gay & Lesbian Center Diversity Scholarship
* Kahla Vitz College of Southern Nevada High School South
* Roxanne Bader Reed, Del Sol High School
8. Cox and The Urban League Diversity Scholarship
* Perry Richardson, Coronado High School
* Emily Stanley, Sandy Valley High School
During a separate distribution this year, Cox also provided $10,000 to the scholarship funds managed by the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce, The Martin Luther King Committee and the Urban Chamber of Commerce.
The Public Education Foundation (PEF) is partnering with Cox to manage the application process and handle the distribution of the diversity scholarship monies.
Cox Las Vegas has been supporting schools and educational programs since it began operations in the Las Vegas area in 1998. Efforts are focused on supporting schools through unique programs such as Cable in the Classroom and the annual Cox Back to School Fairs. Specific emphasis is also directed to programs that support Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) initiatives including the Cox Stars of Science annual challenge. More information is available at www.CoxKnowledgeCollege.com.
About Cox Communications
Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For eight years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among Fair360, formerly DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity nine times, including the last eight years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.
