The LAA, LULAC and Cox Enterprises Partner to Bridge the Digital Divide with Unveiling of EHAT Technology Center in Atlanta

ATLANTA, Aug. 8, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, the Latin American Association (LAA), the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and Cox Enterprises partnered to bridge the digital divide in the Hispanic community by opening a new Technology Center in Atlanta. The new technology center is part of LULAC's Empower Hispanic America with Technology (EHAT) initiative which ensures Hispanic communities have access to dependable technology and useful resources that will empower them to succeed.

As part of the grand opening, the LAA's Executive Director Aníbal Torres, LULAC's CEO Brent Wilkes, Cox Communications' Vice President Gaston Vaneri and key elected officials made remarks regarding the positive impact the new technology center will have on Georgia's Latino community.

"We are here to celebrate another exciting chapter for the Latin American Association, one that will continue to enhance our mission to empower Latinos to adapt, integrate and thrive," said LAA Executive Director, Aníbal Torres. "The LAA is proud to join a network of 67 centers in the U.S. that will give our Latino community access to technology, classes and training services that are critical to the community's advancement. We are extremely grateful to have partnered with LULAC and Cox Enterprises in order to offer such an invaluable resource of advancement to our Latino community."

As the only location in Georgia and one of 67 facilities throughout the U.S., the technology center will provide students, parents and low income Latino individuals access to free high-speed internet, state-of-the art computer equipment and a technology curriculum. The center will also offer office applications and computer training courses, access to GED preparation, financial aid and job searches, among other services.  Overall, the EHAT technology center will offer a hub where Latinos can develop leadership skills and access resources that will help them achieve educational and economic advancement.

"With the Latino population rapidly increasing in the state of Georgia, it is now more important than ever that they have access to the resources that will improve their economic and educational outcomes," said LULAC CEO Brent Wilkes. "We are thrilled to partner with Cox Enterprises and the LAA to bring these important technology resources to Georgia's Latino community so that they can take advantage of the opportunities that will allow their community and state to thrive." 

"Innovation and inclusion are both essential for our state to thrive, which is why Cox jumped at the chance to partner with LULAC and the Latin American Association to open this tech center. We are proud to help bridge the digital divide for Georgia's Hispanic community," expressed Gaston Vaneri, Vice President of Brand Strategy at Cox Communications, a division of Cox Enterprises.

About the Latin American Association (LAA)

Founded in 1972, the Latin American Association (LAA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving the Latino community in metro Atlanta and throughout Georgia. The mission of the LAA is to empower Latinos to adapt, integrate and thrive. Our vision is 'Opportunity for All'. Core programs and services include family services, youth programs, workforce development programs and employment services, immigration legal services and advocacy programs among others. For more information, visit www.thelaa.org.

About The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC)

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation's largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC's programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org.

About Cox Enterprises
Cox Enterprises is a leading communications, media and automotive services company. With revenues exceeding $20 billion and approximately 60,000 employees, the company's major operating subsidiaries include Cox Communications (cable television distribution, high-speed internet access, telephone, home security and automation, commercial telecommunications and advertising solutions); Cox Automotive (automotive-related auctions, financial services, media and software solutions); and Cox Media Group (television and radio stations, digital media, newspapers and advertising sales rep firms). The company's major national brands include Autotrader, Kelley Blue Book and Manheim. Through Cox Automotive, the company's international operations stretch across Asia, Australia, Europe and Latin America. For more information, visit www.coxenterprises.com.

SOURCE Cox Enterprises; Latin American Association (LAA)

For further information: Michelle Velez, 404-477-2592, mvelez@thelaa.org