Buena Park, Calif. (June 10, 2024) – We are thrilled to announce that the Speech and Language Development Center (SLDC) has been awarded a grant from Cox Charities to support our new Digital Voices program. This program, aimed at empowering our students through digital journalism and broadcasting, is one of eleven initiatives in Orange County and Palos Verdes to receive funding from Cox Charities, which has generously allocated a total of $60,000 to local nonprofits.
About the Cox Charities Grant
On May 22, 2024, Cox Charities awarded grants to nonprofits with programs focused on K-12 STEM education, digital equity, conservation and sustainability, and support for military and veterans. Funded by employee donations and overseen by a volunteer board of Cox employees, Cox Charities has been making a difference in California communities since 1999. The Digital Voices program at SLDC is honored to be included among the recipients of this year’s grants.
Introducing Digital Voices
The Digital Voices program at SLDC is an innovative digital journalism elective designed to enhance communication skills, expand vocabulary, improve social communication abilities, and explore vocational interests for our students. By integrating assistive technology (funded by this grant), we ensure that both verbal and non-verbal students can express themselves effectively. This program aligns with SLDC’s mission to nurture growth, inspire achievement, and maximize the potential of individuals with special needs.
Collaborative insights for this grant were provided by Dr. Marissa Caccavale, Speech Department Supervisor. She, along with Kyle Molina, Vocational Instructor, will provide preliminary oversight for this program. Dr. Caccavale shares, “The Digital Voices program is a fantastic opportunity for our students to enhance their communication skills in a fun and engaging way. We’re looking forward to seeing our students’ confidence grow as they develop their expressive language and social communication abilities.”
Program Goals and Impact
Through the Digital Voices program, SLDC’s goal for our students is to:
- Enhance expressive language skills through writing and presenting journalistic content.
- Expand vocabulary and comprehension through exposure to diverse topics.
- Improve social communication abilities, including interviewing, collaboration, and public speaking.
- Strengthen critical thinking skills through analysis and evaluation of information.
- Heighten digital literacy proficiency through media production and technology use.
- Increase awareness and advocacy for digital equity and inclusion in the special needs community.
We will measure the impact of this program through assessments of communication skills and project evaluations, ensuring that it continues to meet the needs of our students effectively.
Empowering Our Students
As part of the Digital Voices program, students will produce scripts and deliver school-wide updates, collaborate with our marketing/Development team to create social media content, and attend SLDC events to share their newly acquired skills. This program not only aims to improve language, communication, and critical thinking abilities but also prepares our students for future employability across various industries.
“We’re excited to help our students explore their interests in digital journalism and broadcasting, and align those passions with potential careers in the digital space. This program is all about empowering our students to discover and pursue their dreams.” – Kyle Molina, Vocational Instructor
We are incredibly grateful to Cox Charities for their support and look forward to sharing the achievements of our amazing students with the world.
About Cox Charities and Cox Communications
Cox Charities, a philanthropic foundation funded by employee donations, has contributed over $10 million to California communities. Cox Communications, the largest private broadband company in America, is dedicated to creating meaningful human connections through technology and empowering communities to build a better future. For more information, visit Cox Charities.
Thank you, Cox Charities, for supporting our mission and helping us make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students.