NEW YORK CITY – (April 27, 2018) – Spectrum and Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow, a Brooklyn-based not-for-profit, announced the opening of a Spectrum Learning Lab at OBT’s program office at Industry City.
The event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony April 26 that included NYS Assembly Member Felix Ortiz, NYS Senator Jesse Hamilton, Deputy Chief of Staff for NYS Senator Martin Golden, representative from NYS Senator Diane Savino’s office, and representative from Congress Member Nydia Velazquez’s office and Spectrum executives.
The Spectrum Learning Lab at OBT will be one of more than 25 that Spectrum has established at non-profit and community organizations across New York City. As part of the Learning Labs, Spectrum provides state-of-the-art technology, peripheral equipment and Internet access to local and community organizations at no charge. The company’s commitment to the Spectrum Learning Lab includes Spectrum Internet and TV services, computer equipment and software, flat-screen HDTVs and other furnishings.
At OBT, the Spectrum Learning Lab will be used as part of the organization’s Web Design & Coding Fundamentals Program. Through this program, OBT provides young adults who are currently not in school or working with an opportunity to increase their computer literacy and digital skills; to enable them to obtain the Adobe Certified Associate Certificate in Photoshop and build an online portfolio; and to develop work readiness and soft skills necessary for success in securing and retaining entry level employment within the tech sector. Founded in Sunset Park in 1983, OBT program is a catalyst for employment, providing pre-screening and job placement services, technology and vocational training programs for the benefit of residents within Sunset Park, Brooklyn and the surrounding communities.
OBT’s CEO, Liliana Polo-McKenna said, “Our commitment is to provide access to quality jobs for individuals in the communities we serve. The partnership with Spectrum will enable OBT to expand its impact, and increase training opportunities that provide concrete skills and open doors to jobs in New York City’s growing tech sector.”
“Spectrum is proud to partner with OBT, an organization that has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of disadvantaged people through employment and training towards self-efficiency,” said Rodney Capel, Spectrum vice president of Government Affairs for the company’s New York City region. “We are excited to make this investment with OBT, which will enable it to increase access to valuable IT and computer skills, and provide families and young people with life-changing access to the digital technology and tools they’ll need to flourish in today’s broadband world.”
Spectrum Learning Labs help participants build computer, internet and other communications skills in communities across New York City. Spectrum and its parent company, Charter, plans to open 40 such labs across the city by 2020.
About Charter
Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ: CHTR) is a leading broadband communications company and the second largest cable operator in the United States. Charter provides a full range of advanced broadband services, including Spectrum TV™ video entertainment programming, Spectrum Internet™ access, and Spectrum Voice™. Spectrum Business® similarly provides scalable, tailored, and cost-effective broadband communications solutions to business organizations, such as business-to-business Internet access, data networking, business telephone, video and music entertainment services, and wireless backhaul. Charter’s advertising sales and production services are sold under the Spectrum Reach™ brand. Charter’s news and sports networks are operated under the Spectrum Networks brand. More information about Charter can be found at charter.com.
About Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT)
Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT) is a leading workforce training and education not-for-profit servicing youth and adults across New York City. OBT operates out of multiple locations in Brooklyn and Queens, providing education, employment, and training services with the goal of developing self-sufficiency and providing access to quality employment. Established in 1983, OBT has always been focused on building skill and resiliency through education and job training, with the singular goal to carve a path to economic independence. Our nationally recognized model includes training for high growth sectors including technology, healthcare, and hospitality. OBT’s holistic approach empowers people to embark on a pathway to success in life, by offering intensive work readiness experiences, building academic skills, service learning, public speaking training, leadership development, and college-access programming. Learn more at www.obtjobs.org
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Media Contacts:
For Charter:
Ziggy Chau
Ziggy.Chau@Charter.com
212-379-5828@CharterNewsroom
For Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow (OBT):
Evelyn Ortiz
eortiz@obtjobs.org
(718) 369-0303
www.obtjobs.org
