Cox Virginia Public Affairs and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Washington, Fairfax County Region celebrated the grand opening of the Cox Innovation Lab at the Ox Hill unit on March 24th. These Innovation Labs help to close the digital divide by providing kids with access to the internet and resources to help them get the most out of it. Outfitted with laptop computers, furniture, virtual reality headsets, and more, this latest Cox Innovation Lab was made possible by a $20,000 James M. Cox Foundation grant.

Gathering at the club for the big reveal – in-person for the first time since 2019 – were Boys & Girls Club kids and representatives; Cox representatives; and special guest, former Super Bowl champion, author and children’s literacy advocate Malcolm Mitchell. Malcolm shared his inspiring story, encouraged kids to read and learn and commended Cox and the Boys and Girls Clubs for their commitment to youth. He even ran some plays with the kids beforehand and answered their questions and signed autographs afterward too. Other speakers included Cox Business Sales Director Aehee Park, Fairfax County Director of Neighborhood and Community Services Lloyd Tucker, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Washington SVP of Operations Jim Almond. If you’re feeling left out, watch the event recording on Facebook Live.