Today, Connect2Compete (C2C), a first of its kind public-private partnership designed to help narrow the digital divide, announced Mediacom Communications Corporation as a new partner to its efforts. Mediacom plans to offer low-cost, high-speed Internet access to low-income families with children attending certain public schools in the City of Valdosta. Families will have to meet some eligibility requirements.

“Last fall, FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski challenged broadband providers to help provide Internet access to millions of Americans who are currently without. Mediacom is answering that challenge, and I am excited I can call them a Connect2Compete partner,” said Zach Leverenz, CEO of Connect2Compete. 

The offering from Mediacom to eligible families in the City of Valdosta will be $9.95 per month broadband Internet access. This rate will be good for two years. Additionally, C2C partner Redemtech-GoodPC will offer a $150 laptop computer to any family who would like to take advantage of this opportunity.

“It is not often that a company gets a chance to be a part of a program with the potential life-changing impact Connect2Compete has,” said Melanie Hannasch, Mediacom’s Director of Area Operations. “We are proud to be a part of this program, and look forward to bringing the Internet to households in the City of Valdosta who up to now had been without it for one reason or another.”

It is estimated that one-third of all Americans – approximately 100 million people – risk becoming increasingly isolated from contemporary life because they lack access to the Internet and the skills necessary to use it effectively. 

In addition to the low-cost Internet and computer offers, a variety of educational and digital literacy tools will be available later this year through a C2C online portal. From help with homework, to writing a resume and conducting on online job search, these are just some of the hundreds of topics that will be covered and available online for free from C2C later this year.

For the initial launch, families with children participating in the free or reduced National School Lunch Program that attend the following City of Valdosta schools are eligible to participate:

• J.L. Lomax Elementary School
• Newbern Middle School
• Nunn Elementary School
• Pinevale Learning Center
• S.L. Mason Elementary School
• Southeast Elementary School

C2C’s fall 2012 Pilot Project will reach 1,000 schools in 22 states. It will expand to additional schools in Georgia and other states during 2013.  

For additional information, interested individuals are encouraged to visit Connect2Compete.org.