State and local elected officials joined Cox Communications employees at the Rhode Island Statehouse for the annual Cox Impact Day. This event is a celebration of the local nonprofits who provide valuable services and Cox’s commitment to build a better future for the next generations. The day celebrated Cox’s investment throughout the state of Rhode Island including but not limited to Cox Charities Community Grants, Cox Innovation Labs at local Boys and Girls Clubs, James M. Cox Foundation Grants, digital literacy and volunteerism. In addition, Cox highlighted the more than 700 employees who live and work in Rhode Island and their impact on the local economy. 
 
During the event, Cox employees awarded a total of $120,000 in grants to 12 local nonprofits, through Cox Charities Community Investment Grants. The program provides employee funded grants to support programs benefiting local residents. Nonprofits submitted applications earlier this year, and Cox employees reviewed and identified the winning organizations.

This year’s recipients of the Cox Charities Community Investment Grants are:  

• ACE Mentor Program of Rhode Island - The ACE Mentor Program of Rhode Island will use its Cox Charities grant to expand its afterschool mentorship program, increasing access to hands‑on STEM learning opportunities. Funding will support meals, interactive design labs and industry‑standard software, ensuring students of all income levels can fully participate while building the skills needed to help design and lead the future of their communities.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island - Big Brothers Big Sisters of Rhode Island will leverage its Cox Charities grant to integrate hands‑on STEAM learning into mentoring relationships, helping youth facing significant barriers gain critical skills, build confidence and explore future career pathways. 

• College Visions - College Visions will use its Cox Charities grant to expand its College Access Program, opening education and career pathways for first-generation and low-income students across Rhode Island. The funding supports personalized advising that guides students through college applications, financial aid and career planning, building confidence and clear direction toward workforce success. 

• DownCity Design - DownCity Design will use its Cox Charities grant to empower Providence teens to address real-world challenges through design, engineering and digital innovation. The program strengthens technical and leadership skills while creating pathways into careers in design, technology and construction, all while delivering meaningful community impact projects. 

• Federal Hill House Association - The Federal Hill House Association will use its Cox Charities grant to support a summer learning program for low-income Providence children ages 6 to 12. Through 20 sessions across two cohorts, the program will build social-emotional skills and provide hands‑on STEAM learning, helping students stay engaged, inspired, and prepared for future success. 

• Junior Achievement of Rhode Island - Junior Achievement of Rhode Island will use its Cox Charities grant to deliver financial literacy, work readiness and entrepreneurship programs, equipping students with the knowledge and confidence to build a more equitable future. 

• Meeting Street - Meeting Street will use its Cox Charities grant to support vocational and workforce training for youth ages 14 to 22 with medical, physical and cognitive challenges at the Carter School. Students will receive individualized skill-building, career exploration and supported work experiences, fostering independence and preparing them for employment after graduation. 

• Mini Entrepreneurs of Rhode Island - Mini Entrepreneurs of Rhode Island will use its Cox Charities grant to connect youth from underserved communities with entrepreneurship education and hands‑on support to launch their own businesses. The investment will provide coaching, supplies and program delivery to help young people build confidence, develop business skills and access long-term economic opportunity. 

• Providence Public Library - The Providence Public Library will use its Cox Charities grant to deliver high-impact STEAM education through its Workshop, reaching more than 500 youth. These free, accessible programs provide hands‑on learning experiences that inspire the next generation of creative thinkers and leaders. 

• Revive the Roots - Revive the Roots will use its Cox Charities grant to expand sustainable farming education and improve food access at Mowry Commons. The funding will help grow fresh food for neighbors in need while strengthening programs, infrastructure and staffing that engage thousands annually in environmental stewardship and community nourishment. 

• Roots2Empower - Roots2Empower will use its Cox Charities grant to connect middle school students from underserved communities with career pathways in marine science, offshore wind and coastal industries, opening doors to real economic opportunities while building a stronger local workforce. 

• Skills for Rhode Island’s Future - Skills for Rhode Island’s Future will use its Cox Charities grant to support low-income high school students participating in paid summer internships. The funding will reduce barriers by covering transportation, technology and work readiness needs, helping students succeed in their internships and gain the skills, confidence and experience needed for college and career success.