Spectrum Opens 25th Learning Lab in New York City

On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day we opened a new Spectrum Learning Lab at the National Action Network's House of Justice in New York City.

Our Learning Labs provide underserved New York City residents with access to free WiFi and state of the art computers, through partnerships with local nonprofits.

The goal of the initiative is to create a stronger community by focusing on workforce development and youth engagement.

Rev. Sharpton Joins Charter CEO Rutledge for Learning Lab Ribbon-Cutting

Rev. Al Sharpton speaks at the opening of the 25th Spectrum Learning Lab in New York City.

Rev. Al Sharpton, the National Action Network Founder and President, joined Tom Rutledge, Charter's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at the ribbon-cutting ceremony held to mark the opening of the state-of-the-art facility.

"We work with community groups in setting these facilities up so that people can learn how to use the internet effectively. It’s a major tool. It’s as significant a change in society as printing was 500 years ago," said Rutledge.

Charter Donates $100,000 to Open New Facility

Charter aims to open 40 learning labs in New York City by the year 2020.

Charter donated $100,000 for the lab, where trained instructors will help locals improve their digital skill set, with access to new computers, software and services.

"Today on Martin Luther King Day, Spectrum is partnering with us right here in the headquarters. We are setting up three rooms that Spectrum's CEO and I are going to set up where young people are going to come after school and on weekends ... We will teach them how to be tech-savvy," said Sharpton.

The Harlem lab is the 25th facility to open in the Learning Lab program and Charter plans to open 40 labs in New York City by the year 2020.

Spectrum News NY1 covered the event. You can watch their video above.