Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard, fourth from left, joined Spectrum and The STEM Alliance on Feb. 19 to celebrate the participants who completed the Digital Pathways program at The Guidance Center of Westchester.

Charter Communications Inc., an American telecommunications and mass media company with services branded as Spectrum is headquartered in Stamford, Connecticut, and has recently 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 low-income individuals with access to digital tools and skills, devices, services and basic technology education classes. This year, The STEM Alliance partnered with The Guidance Center of Westchester to host two cohorts at their Center for College and Careers, with a focus on workforce development for youth and young adults in Mount Vernon.

“Digital skills are no longer optional – they are essential to education, employment and long-term economic stability,” said Ron Colavito, president and CEO of The Guidance Center of Westchester. “Through our partnership with The STEM Alliance, the Digital Pathways program is opening doors for young people in Mount Vernon, equipping them with the tools, confidence and skills they need to compete in today’s workforce. We’re grateful to Spectrum for investing in programs that create real opportunity and lasting impact in our community.”

Through Digital Pathways, The STEM Alliance partners with community nonprofits to reach digitally distressed and historically underserved residents throughout Westchester. Digital Pathways includes services like computer ownership, tech education and one-to-one digital literacy support where participants gain enhanced employment prospects and access to online services, education, information and telehealth.

Margaret Käufer, president of The STEM Alliance, emphasized the importance of this partnership and its work with young adults at The Guidance Center. “Digital fluency isn’t something you’re born with – it’s something you’re given access to. We’re deeply grateful to Spectrum for recognizing that there is no such thing as a ‘digital native.’ By investing in device ownership, reliable internet and direct tech skill instruction, Spectrum is helping young adults move from basic skills to the fluency required in a world where 92% of jobs demand digital competence. That’s not just a smart investment – it’s a commitment to equity and to our shared future.”

Spectrum presented the check to The STEM Alliance on Feb. 19 during the organization’s graduation ceremony at The Guidance Center. Among those to celebrate were Mount Vernon Mayor Shawyn Patterson-Howard; representative Damian Garcia from U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office; Digital Pathways program participants and staff; Colavito; Käufer; and Rahman Khan, group vice president of community impact at Spectrum.

“Spectrum Digital Education focuses on removing real barriers by helping people build the digital skills required to apply for jobs, pursue education and manage essential online services,” said Mike Williams, regional vice president of the NYC Region for Spectrum. “Through our nonprofit partnerships, we help turn connectivity into capability by creating pathways to opportunity and independence.”

This latest grant is the third Spectrum Digital Education Grant awarded to The STEM Alliance, bringing Spectrum’s total support for the organization to $60,000 over the past three years.

The STEM Alliance’s mission is to bridge systemic gaps in education by providing equal access to science, technology, engineering and math enrichment programs for families across Westchester and New York City, focusing on diverse, low-income populations. The organization aims to break the cycle of poverty by connecting children and adults to STEM skills that boost employability and increase earnings. Their work is centered in three areas: STEM education and equity, summer enrichment and digital equity.

Spectrum Digital Education continues to support initiatives that make a tangible impact in communities. In 2025, Spectrum awarded a total of $1.1 million in Spectrum Digital Education grants to 55 nonprofit organizations that work to expand access to digital tools, skills training and resources in the communities Spectrum serves.

Since launching in 2017, Spectrum Digital Education has committed more than $11 million to support 202 unique organizations across Spectrum’s 41-state service area. The program has awarded 382 grants, helping to distribute 20,000 laptops, more than 50,000 sponsored digital education classes, benefiting more than 200,000 community members nationwide.

Locally, THE STEM Alliance is one of four New York City area recipients of the 2025 Spectrum Digital Education grant. Queens-based nonprofits Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation and Korean Community Services, and Hispanic Federation also received grants.

Spectrum is a suite of advanced communications services offered by Charter Communications Inc., a leading broadband connectivity company available to 58 million homes and small to large businesses across 41 states. Founded in 1993, Charter has evolved from providing cable TV to streaming, and from high-speed Internet to a converged broadband, WiFi and mobile experience. Over the Spectrum Fiber Broadband Network and supported by our 100% U.S.-based employees, the company offers seamless connectivity and entertainment with Spectrum Internet®, mobile, TV and voice products.

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