Time Warner Cable (TWC) and Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens (VBGCQ) held a ribbon-cutting ceremony to open a state-of-the-art technology and computer center at VBGCQ’s center located at 21-12 30th Road in Long Island City. The TWC Learning Lab, funded by a $50,000 grant from Time Warner Cable, will be integrated into VBGCQ’s Internet Safety, Digital Literacy and Career Launch programs that target college and vocational readiness.

“We developed our TWC Learning Labs initiative to help bridge the digital divide for local communities throughout New York City,” Brien Kelley, AVP of Operations in Queens and Brooklyn for Time Warner Cable. “We are very pleased to partner with the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens to open this lab, which will further empower this fine organization to invest in the future leaders of Queens.”

The November 19 TWC Learning Lab opening continues TWC’s partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of America and is in addition to previously announced support. TWC, as part of its Connect a Million Minds initiative, committed $500,000 in cash and in-kind support to the Boys & Girls Clubs of America last year to help address America’s declining proficiency in the disciplines of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The support is enabling the Boys & Girls Clubs of America to launch a new Do-It-Yourself (DIY) STEM program for Boys & Girls Clubs around the country. The VBGCQ, as well as nine other Clubs around New York City, received additional funding from TWC to further support the DIY STEM program.

Matthew Troy, Executive Director of the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, said, “Time Warner Cable has been a strong supporter of us through its Connect a Million Minds initiative. We’re so pleased they are investing in us again, as the 700 children served by the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens will now have access to a state of the art Time Warner Cable Learning Lab. This Lab will help open doors to more 21st century learning opportunities, providing access to tools and hands on learning that our Club’s students will need for future studies and careers in the science, technology, engineering, and math fields.”

The TWC Learning Lab at VBGCQ is fully equipped with a complete suite of products and services, including state-of-the-art computers, computer software, Time Warner Cable Business Class high-speed internet service, flat screen high definition (HD) televisions, and HD cable service, all underwritten by Time Warner Cable.

TWC committed in 2011 to open 40 TWC Learning Labs in New York City by 2020 – providing low-income communities with access to computers and high-speed internet. TWC’s total investment to equip these 40 labs is anticipated to exceed $2 million, plus additional inkind funding from Time Warner Cable Business Class for complimentary internet and video services. Non-profit partners, such as Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens, oversee a lab’s daily operations and utilize their technologies to improve the lives of people they serve.

Councilman Costa Constantinides said, “Internet access is a necessity for students to aid in their education and to build digital literacy. Yet, many households do not have internet access. This new technology center at the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Queens will help change that paradigm and help improve proficiency in STEM subjects. With advances in technology happening every day, it is important that students have the most up-to-date resources at their disposal. We are grateful for this generous grant that will be used to build the technology center learning lab.”

With today’s opening, TWC has now opened 19 labs in neighborhoods throughout New York City. In Queens, labs are already open at Woodside on the Move, Sunnyside Community Services and Rockaway Development & Revitalization Corporation, Greater Ridgewood Youth Council, and Korean Community Services.