Spectrum announced it has 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.
Through Digital Pathways, The STEM Alliancepartners with community nonprofits to reach digitally-distressed and historically underserved residents throughout Westchester. This year, The STEM Alliance will partner with The Guidance Center of Westchester to host cohorts through their Center for College and Careers. 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.
“Technology is a powerful equalizer, but only if people have access to a computer and then know how to use it,” said Mike Williams, Regional Vice President of the NYC Region for Spectrum. “Through Spectrum Digital Education, we’re helping our nonprofit partners turn connectivity into real opportunities for their communities, from education and employment to everyday connection 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.
STEM Alliance President, Margaret Käufer spoke about this next stage of work, emphasizing, “We’re thrilled to partner with Spectrum and The Guidance Center to bring digital skills training to opportunity youth – because the idea of the ‘digital native’ is a myth. Many young people grow up without reliable computers or high-speed internet, and as technology evolves, so must our approach to workforce readiness. Direct, hands-on training is essential so that all youth can participate competitively in today’s digital-driven workforce.”
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.
“We’re grateful to Spectrum and The STEM Alliance for their commitment to closing the digital divide,” said Ron Colavito, President & CEO of The Guidance Center of Westchester. “This partnership brings real opportunities to the young people we serve – providing not just access to technology, but the hands-on training and support they need to thrive in a digital world. Together, we’re helping to level the playing field and open doors to education, employment, and long-term success.”
Spectrum Digital Education continues to support initiatives that make a tangible impact in communities. This year, Spectrum is awarding 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 204 community-based nonprofits across Spectrum’s 41-state service area. The program has awarded 383 grants, helping to distribute nearly 20,000 laptops and sponsor more than 45,000 digital education classes, benefiting nearly 188,000 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.
More information is available on the Spectrum Digital Education page.
