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    The GFiber blog is your home for GFiber news and updates

    At GFiber, our mission goes beyond delivering fast, reliable internet. This Giving Tuesday, GFiber is celebrating our local partners and the impactful work we’re doing together to close the digital divide. The digital divide is more than just a lack of access to a connection; it's a gap in education, job opportunities, and essential services. 

    This Giving Tuesday, generosity can go further in key markets thanks to our community matching gift initiatives.

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    Our small business blog series, Connected by GFiber, continues! This time we're featuring Jana Chellaperumal, owner of the Morrisville Raptors cricket team in North Carolina's Research Triangle region and former president of the Triangle Cricket League. Jana shares how GFiber's high-speed reliable internet supports the game of cricket.

    When the Triangle Cricket League partnered with the Town of Morrisville in 2010 to grow the game in the region, the Town had the vision to expand how we serve our community that plays cricket. TCL had been a vital partner for growth and connecting the Town with opportunities to continue the vision. But we needed infrastructure that could connect our players, our fans, and our community on a global scale. Five years ago, when GFiber came to Church Street Park in Morrisville, it became the missing piece that transformed cricket in our region from a local interest into a robust international offering, seen from the Research Triangle to Bangladesh, India, and beyond.

    I'm one of the owners and manager of the Morrisville Raptors of Minor League Cricket , and our home matches are played at Church Street Park in Morrisville. We have teams traveling from as far as New Jersey, Baltimore and Orlando to compete here. The Town hosts Major League Cricket matches that draw crowds from around the world. The enthusiasm translates to the success of the Triangle Cricket League. I'm proud that we've developed a program — more than 3,000 members strong — where young players can train alongside international professionals and set their sights on reaching the highest levels of the game.

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    Photo Credit: Minor League Cricket

    And what makes it even more special is the high-speed fiber-optic internet infrastructure.

    The streaming capabilities that GFiber provides changed everything for us. Today, thanks to outlets like the Minor League Cricket YouTube channel and Willow TV , matches reach viewers from around the world, from India to communities throughout North America. In the past three years alone, we've streamed more than 150 cricket matches, attracting 35,000 fans at our parks in Morrisville and nearly a quarter million online enthusiasts. When we hosted the recent MiLC playoff series featuring one of the world's top 10 cricket players, thousands watched live on YouTube. They weren't just passive viewers. They were engaged, commenting and celebrating throughout the games, and feeling connected from thousands of miles away.

    This connectivity isn't just about entertainment. It's about opportunity. International talent now chooses to come play in Morrisville precisely because they know their families, their fans, and potential sponsors can watch them perform. Young players in our academy are motivated to push harder and dream bigger.

    Parents watching from abroad can see their children's progress in real time. The broadcast transforms Church Street Park from a local field into a legitimate stage for professional cricket.

    A True Partnership

    Morrisville’s Town leadership understood early that a thriving community celebrates the interests and cultures of all its residents. Morrisville embraced cricket. Bryan Rhea, Athletics Program Manager for the Town of Morrisville, reflects on the journey: "About 16 years ago, there was a collaborative effort between the town and the Triangle Cricket League to provide space for local cricket clubs at Shiloh Park. Things evolved remarkably quickly from those humble beginnings into what you now see at Church Street Park, matches streamed to viewers across multiple countries around the world."

    Photo Credit: Keenan Hairston

    Without the Town's help, I don't think we could do what we're doing today. The collaboration between our organizations and the Town has been remarkable, from securing the initial space at Church Street Park to supporting multiple facility upgrades to recognizing the economic and cultural benefits cricket brings.

    This commitment extends beyond cricket. When we needed reliable, high-speed internet to handle professional-grade streaming with multiple camera feeds and live reviews, GFiber delivered. But that same fiber also provides free wireless access for all park visitors, benefiting the entire community. It's infrastructure that serves everyone, from families enjoying a picnic, to kids playing soccer, and yes, passionate cricket players and fans.

    The economic impact has been significant. "When Major League Cricket comes in, we see a huge uptick in fans," says Brandon Zuidema, Town Manager. "A lot of those are from out of town, and so they will come and stay in Wake County hotels and motels, and then they will also have their food and do some shopping here, so that's a really good opportunity for the community."

    These dollars flow through the Wake County hospitality sector and are reinvested into our community, supporting continued improvements to our facilities and programs.

    As we look to the future, we're excited about possibilities to expand streaming to additional facilities as they come online. But whatever comes next, it will be built on the foundation that GFiber helped create, a true fusion of technology and community that makes Morrisville a premier cricket destination.

    To the Town of Morrisville, to GFiber, and to every person who believes in the power of sport to unite communities, thank you. Together, we're proving that with the right infrastructure and the right vision, a small town can become a global stage.

    Posted by Jana Chellaperumal, Owner, Morrisville Raptors 


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    Our blog series, Connected by GFiber, continues! This time we're featuring the Association House of Chicago , where GFiber's support makes free technology programs like AI Essentials and Microsoft Office Certification available to all. Learn how accessible tech training is helping people like Martina, Palak, and Alex reclaim their confidence, re-enter the workforce, and reimagine their futures.

    When Martina found herself at home recovering from cancer, unemployed and uncertain about the future, she needed more than a distraction— she needed a way to reclaim control. That’s when she discovered Association House of Chicago’s technology programs, made possible through the generous support of GFiber. 

    “I was just trying to find other things to do and keep myself busy,” she recalls. Enrolling in AI Essentials gave her both structure and purpose. “Once I started to do it on my own, I was in control of my own time, and how fast I wanted to do things.” 

    After quickly receiving her AI certification, Martina went on to earn her Excel Associate certification, pursue project management training, and prepare to step back into the workforce with renewed confidence. 

    Martina’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when opportunity meets access. For Palak, a new mother looking to return to her tech career, the same courses provided a bridge back into opportunity. “I wanted to brush up my skills after my baby was born, and these classes gave me the confidence to step back into the tech field,” she says. 

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    For the past 20 years, in one of the wealthiest communities in Colorado, SECOR Cares has been addressing a unique and often overlooked need: suburban poverty. When you think of poverty, you might picture urban metro centers with tent cities or rural homes lacking modern amenities like clean water and electricity. But the fastest-growing segment of poverty is the one you wouldn't expect. Poverty in the suburbs is growing at three times the rate of urban poverty, but remains nearly invisible. 


    Suburban poverty looks like a single mom juggling multiple jobs to make ends meet; a family of four who lost their sole income just before the holidays; a senior couple who thought they had saved enough for retirement but now find themselves barely scraping by. Many of these people don’t qualify for traditional support services because their income is just above the federal poverty line, yet not enough to sustain themselves. They may be your kids’ teacher, your next-door neighbor, the person working on your car or a nurse at your local hospital; perhaps even you. Unfortunately, the sense of shame people feel often prevent them from sharing their struggles, keeping suburban poverty under the radar.


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    SECOR aims to eliminate this stigma by providing a safe space filled with hope as people work to rebuild their lives. At first glance, you might think that SECOR is just another food pantry, but you'll quickly see how it is different. Every inch of SECOR’s Free Food Market is designed with dignity in mind. 

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    At United Way of the Greater Triangle , we believe in the power of people—especially the visionary leaders who are building the solutions their communities need most. That belief is at the heart of 10 to Watch , a program we launched in 2018 to identify, support, and amplify under-represented nonprofit leaders and the high-impact organizations they lead. 
    In 2025, we’re proud to welcome the fourth cohort of 10 to Watch: ten dynamic, mission-driven leaders who are driving change family by family, neighborhood by neighborhood, community by community. These leaders aren’t waiting for permission or validation—they're doing the work. What they need is partnership, early-stage investment, access to resources, and an expanded network to help scale their vision. That’s what 10 to Watch provides. 

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    And the results speak for themselves. 
    Since the program began: 
    • Participating organizations have experienced an average of 243% revenue growth within five years of entering the cohort. 
    • Charitable contributions for these organizations increased by over $763,000 on average . 
    • 29 of the 30 alumni are still actively leading or working in the Triangle’s social sector. 
    • The leaders’ platforms have expanded nationally, appearing on CNN, Good Morning America, Forbes , and even on exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art . 

    Take Hope Renovations , for example—a 2021–2022 cohort member. Their dual mission of training underemployed women in the trades and repairing homes for seniors and individuals with disabilities saw a 439% increase in revenue over two years. That’s not just growth—that’s generational impact. 
    This level of transformation is only possible through powerful partnerships. We’re especially grateful to Google Fiber , a continuous supporter of 10 to Watch from the beginning, and a recent contributor of $40,000 toward our 2025 cohort . Their investment doesn’t just support individual organizations, it helps build a more just, equitable Triangle for all. 

    We created 10 to Watch because we saw a gap. Under-represented leaders were building incredible organizations but lacked access to traditional philanthropic pipelines. Eight years later, this initiative is not only closing that gap—it’s opening new doors. 

    At United Way of the Greater Triangle, we see uplifting and galvanizing communities not as a responsibility, but as a necessity . We are proud to walk alongside these leaders and their communities as they chart a future rooted in justice, equity, and opportunity. 

    This is more than a program. It’s a movement. And we’re just getting started. 


    Posted by Crystal WIlson, Chief Outreach Officer, United Way of the Greater Triangle.


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    GFiber is proud to support the work of AVANCE-Austin for the past five years, as they work to meet the basic needs of Austin families and go far beyond to help them thrive. Today, Stephanie De Leon, Senior Development and Communications Manager for AVANCE-Austin, shares how the organization provides holistic support, including tech skills and access, to their clients.

    For close to 30 years, AVANCE-Austin has served under-resourced families through education classes and wrap-around support. AVANCE’s main programs — The Parent Child-Education Program and AVANCE to College — provide caregivers and their children, up to age four, with parenting and early childhood classes.

    Along with providing educational curriculum, AVANCE-Austin assesses the basic needs of these families during monthly home visits. Basic needs support in areas such as food, healthcare, workforce development, childcare, transportation and technology. AVANCE Home Visitors connect families to over 40 community agencies and partner organizations within Travis County to help meet these needs.

    Since the COVID-19 pandemic, AVANCE-Austin families have reported an increased number of access barriers to education, healthcare and employment opportunities while lacking basic technology and digital skills. In 2020, 98% of families did not have home internet. Instead, they relied on their phones, which had limited data packages, to participate in AVANCE’s virtual programs. While phones are indispensable for staying connected, they fall short for more complex needs. Online classes, job applications, job training, and even the seemingly simple task of typing a resume are far from “phone-friendly.”

    In a significant stride toward digital equity efforts, AVANCE-Austin has worked with GFiber, NTEN, Human IT and Digital UpLift to provide essential technology resources to under-resourced Travis County families. This collaboration aims to address the digital divide by offering Chromebooks, internet hotspots and comprehensive digital literacy training, ensuring families have the tools and knowledge to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

    From September 2024 to May 2025, AVANCE-Austin distributed over 350 technology devices, 25 hotspots, upskilled 10 staff members as Digital Navigators, and hosted basic digital literacy workshops to meet community needs.

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    One recent AVANCE-Austin program graduate shared, “Having quick access to information and the opportunity to learn new software programs was really exciting. I didn't know anything about all the different search engines available, and being able to complete the work online was very beneficial. It was great to have access to email and stay connected throughout the program. For some, it may seem like just an ordinary laptop, but for others, it's a huge accomplishment, as many had never used one before. They didn't know how to operate it, so being able to learn all that was truly a blessing.”

    As technology continues to evolve, AVANCE-Austin remains committed to growing partnerships with community-centered businesses like GFiber to create an inclusive digital ecosystem. AVANCE envisions a world where all children and families have equitable access to resources and opportunities to reach their fullest potential.

    For more information on AVANCE-Austin's programs and initiatives, visit www.avanceaustin.org .

    Posted by Stephanie De Leon, Sr. Development and Communications Manager at AVANCE-Austin



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    In Huntsville, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology impacts over 400 learners in their summer STEM learning program. GFiber is proud to support local organizations that encourage the exploration and pursuit of careers in STEM and are helping their communities meet the challenges of tomorrow. VP of Educational Outreach, Kelly East, shares more about how this program builds enthusiasm and inspires.
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    For a lot of us, summer brings to mind beach days, road trips, and a break from the usual routine. But at HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, summer takes on a whole different energy. It’s a season of discovery, connection, and inspiration as we host hundreds of students and teachers on campus for learning opportunities. This is what we proudly call our Summer of STEM. GFiber, as our Presenting Sponsor, helps us make it all happen.

    As Vice President of Educational Outreach at HudsonAlpha, I get a front-row seat to the excitement that unfolds on our campus every summer. Students light up as they extract DNA for the first time. Interns build confidence as they contribute to real-world research. Teachers discover new teaching methods that will impact thousands of students back home. This season reminds me why we do what we do, and why it matters so deeply.

    What is the Summer of STEM?
    Summer of STEM is HudsonAlpha’s flagship series of summer education programs designed to inspire curiosity and expand access to science. From middle schoolers just beginning to see themselves as scientists, to undergrads stepping into professional research environments, to educators growing their practice, the Summer of STEM offers something for every stage of a person’s STEM journey.
    This summer, we’ve reached 332 students and 113 educators from 23 Alabama counties and 8 states across the U.S. Each person we welcome is a future innovator, researcher, or teacher who will shape the future of science and technology in our country.

    Camps that spark curiosity
    Our middle school summer camps and high school summer programs are where young scientists get a taste of what it feels like to do science. In our state-of-the-art teaching labs, students dive into hands-on experiments like DNA extractions, building bio-indicators, and even trying their hand at CRISPR gene editing.



    We hosted nearly 200 campers this summer, and I’m always amazed at how excited and energetic our young learners are. These experiences are fun, but they also build confidence and encourage students to picture themselves working in science in college and beyond. Many middle school students find their time at HudsonAlpha so engaging that they often enroll in our high school summer camps, building on their STEM skills and confidence. 

    Internships that launch careers
    For undergraduate or graduate students who already have an idea of where they want their career to go, our BioTrain Internship Program provides real-world experience working alongside professionals in our research labs and business offices. For the last 17 years, our BioTrain program has been more than just a summer job for these students. It’s a launch pad. Interns leave with not only lab and life skills, but also mentors, expanded professional networks, and a clearer sense of where their passions might lead them. Dozens of past interns now work at HudsonAlpha in our research labs and offices, and many more have gone on to pursue careers in medicine, research, education, and science communication.
    Professional development that grows classroom impact
    Teachers are the backbone of developing the STEM workforce of tomorrow. That’s why our Summer of STEM also includes intensive workshops for middle and high school educators. This year, 113 teachers are participating in professional learning on HudsonAlpha’s campus, digging into the latest in genetics and genomics education.
    These teachers return to their schools equipped with new lessons, hands-on materials, and excitement for the school year ahead. Collectively, they’ll impact thousands of students, a ripple effect we’re incredibly proud of.

    Powered by Collaborators like GFiber
    Summer at HudsonAlpha is busy, but it’s also one of the most meaningful times of the year for me and my team. It’s one of the times when our mission of Educational Outreach comes to life in the most visible way. Watching students discover their love for science or hearing a teacher say, “This is exactly what I needed,” is why we do this every day.

    As a nonprofit, our Summer of STEM programs wouldn’t be possible without philanthropic support. We are deeply grateful to our 2025 Presenting Sponsor, GFiber. To us, GFiber’s support means more than just funding. It’s an investment in the next generation of scientists, problem solvers, and leaders.
    I’m honored to thank our students, educators, interns, and our Presenting Sponsor, GFiber, for making this summer unforgettable.

    Posted By Kelly East, VP for Educational Outreach, HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology



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    Google Fiber has always supported a broad range of school programs that foster Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills. As part of that commitment, we’re proud sponsors of the Westside High School Esports program with a grant that enables students to participate and compete. With the ongoing success of the program, Head Coach Chase Tonkinson and team member Robert Rasgorshek share the impact the program is making and how GFiber has helped make that possible.
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    In March of 2020, as schools across the country shut down due to the pandemic, our students at Westside High School in Omaha, Neb., were sent home for the remainder of the semester.  
    Administrators in the school district had previously considered starting an Esports program, and facing the uncertainty of what would happen the following year, leadership knew it was a perfect opportunity to launch the program. “Esports” (or Electronic Sports) is organized, competitive video gaming that operates similarly to other high school sports, with teams from other schools competing against one another. These sports are in an online format, allowing connectivity from basically anywhere.   


    School officials believed that Esports would allow students to stay engaged in school activities, despite COVID-19 regulations that kept students off campus. The district, Westside Community Schools, put out a call for anyone interested in helping launch and coach the new program, and when I saw the alert, I immediately recognized this unique opportunity to help create a new avenue for students to learn and connect. Within the year, I stepped into the role of Westside High School’s first-ever Esports coach. 
    After one year of planning, our WHS team began competing in the fall of 2021. We weren’t exactly sure what to expect, but we were blown away by the amount of student interest we received. Within 24 hours, we had more than 50 students responding to our interest form, and by the time we closed the registration period two weeks later, more than 70 students had responded. This was far more than we anticipated and more than our newly-opened Esports lab could accommodate. This high turnout translated into success. Within our first season, WHS won the state championship trophy for all three games we competed in. The following year, we found ourselves taking home both regional and national championship trophies.  

    The success of our Esports program spans far beyond the tournaments we’ve won.  Our program has brought together students from varying backgrounds, interests and skill levels, including varsity athletes, Special Olympics athletes, as well as students in band, show choir and theater.  


    Our teams have also been a home to a number of students who had never before participated in a school activity or sport. The program opened the door and provided a new way to develop teamwork and communication skills, and also to be a part of a tight-knit community on campus. 
    One of those students is Robert “Bert” Rasgorshek, who found far more than just a pastime through Westside Esports. 
    “Being a part of Westside High School's Esports team has been one of the biggest highlights of my high school experience,” Bert shared. “Whether I was grouping up to push with my teammates in Overwatch, lining up a clutch shot in Valorant, or going one-on-one in Smash, I realized how valuable new strategies, communication, and staying calm under pressure are. 

    “My teammates and coaches accepted me for the person I was and encouraged me to grow as a player, a teammate, and a leader. It also gave me something to look forward to after each day at school— something that continues to motivate me to stay focused and improve so I can keep playing. I've become friends with people I might never have met, and formed supportive and long-lasting bonds through our shared love for the game and competition.
    “Even when we lost together, we learned together, we supported each other, and we came back stronger. This team gave me confidence, direction, and a sense of belonging in a time when I didn’t know which extracurricular I wanted to pursue. These lessons and memories are the things that I want to carry with me long after I’ve graduated high school.”


    Having a team sponsor like GFiber has been integral in keeping our program going. Computer and video game equipment can be quite costly, and the support from GFiber helps us maintain our equipment and supply students with the latest games. The sponsorship has also enabled us to travel to in-person tournaments where our players meet with college coaches— many of those same players have gone on to earn Esports scholarships to their respective colleges.  
    I look forward to continued collaboration with GFiber and to the future success this generous support enables our students to experience, both in school and in competition.  

    Posted by :
    Chase Tonkinson 
    Head Coach, Westside High School Esports 
    Robert “Bert” Rasgorshek
    Westside High School Esports Team Member 





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    GFiber’s investment in digital equity goes beyond internet access. Through collaborations with organizations like Latinitas , we are helping to create a more inclusive digital ecosystem where all members of the community can thrive.

    In today’s increasingly connected world, digital literacy has become essential for personal, educational and professional success. Recognizing this, Latinitas, a nonprofit organization that empowers girls in Austin and San Antonio’s Latino communities to innovate through media and technology, has been at the forefront of digital inclusion through its Padres Digitales program . This initiative aims to empower parents with the skills and tools needed to navigate the digital landscape, ensuring they can support their children’s academic and professional aspirations in the digital age.

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    The pressing need for digital inclusion 

    Digital inclusion remains one of the most pressing issues in education and community development, particularly among underserved populations. For many families, access to technology and reliable internet is limited, creating barriers to resources, educational opportunities and the ability to engage with the growing digital world.

    Padres Digitales seeks to eliminate these barriers by offering workshops that teach digital literacy and skills, focusing on everything from basic computer usage to understanding the digital tools necessary for remote learning, job searching and personal finance management.


    Digital Literacy for Families

    Digital literacy goes beyond learning how to use a computer. It’s about understanding the role of technology in education, how to access online resources and how to communicate effectively through digital platforms.

    For parents, being digitally literate means being able to support their children in school, especially with the growing reliance on technology for remote learning and research. Moreover, digital literacy also opens doors to job opportunities, healthcare resources and civic participation, which are often conducted online.

    Padres Digitales focuses on helping parents:

    1. Support children's education: Ensuring that children have access to digital tools and resources needed for homework, research and communication with teachers.
    2. Access online resources: Learning to navigate websites for essential services such as health care, financial assistance and legal aid.
    3. Enhance career opportunities: Gaining the skills needed to apply for jobs, update resumes and connect with potential employers through online platforms.
    4. Participate in civic engagement: Being able to vote online or access important government information in real time.
    GFiber supports the Padres Digitales program in both Austin and San Antonio.  One parent who participated in the Padres Digitales program shared, “Before, I struggled to help my kids with their homework because I didn’t understand the tools they were using. Now, I feel more confident. I can help them with their studies and also learn how to navigate the internet for my own needs. This program has truly changed our lives.” 

    A digital future for all

    The collaboration between Latinitas and GFiber exemplifies the power of community-driven solutions to support digital inclusion. Through initiatives like Padres Digitales, more families are not only gaining access to the digital world, but they are also becoming active participants in shaping their own futures.

    Posted by Salwa Yordi, Communications Director at Latinitas

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    Google Fiber’s Community Connections program provides gigabit internet service to local nonprofits to help them serve their constituencies and meet their organizational goals. Today, Empower House, the first GFiber Community Connection in San Antonio, shares how access to high-speed internet is helping the nonprofit foster an environment of empowerment and equity for people of all backgrounds.  

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    With rising socio economic challenges in East San Antonio, a diverse group of women founded Martinez Street Women’s Center to improve reproductive health services and create a space for marginalized women and girls to access the necessary resources and education to help them succeed. 

    Twenty-six years later, with a second location on the southeast side of the city and a third on the west side, we are now called Empower House and have expanded to meet the needs of our diverse community — all through the lens of restorative justice. Through community health, youth programming and advocacy opportunities, we have advanced our collective journey toward justice together with those most impacted by systematic inequity. 


    Empower House believes in the strength shared information and education offer, and coupled with access to resources, we provide opportunities for the empowerment of our community. We shared that vision with the Esperanza Peace and Justice Center, and in 2017 added a music and talk radio station, KXEP 101.5 FM The Empower House. Hosting six weekly shows and, as a part of the Pacifica Network , KXEP has been a thriving community connector, sharing and amplifying inspiring stories from women of color, LBGTQ+ individuals and other traditionally marginalized communities. 


    As our radio station continues to be a centerpiece with our community content creation, it was imperative to be innovative in finding solutions to grow the production. We recently built out a radio station and student studio to expand and modernize our space by providing our radio hosts with the necessary resources to strengthen their programming. 


    The renovation was enabled in part through GFiber’s Community Connections program, which paid for the technology of the new student studio and generously installed 1 Gig network service for free. We are grateful and humbled to be the first recipient of GFiber’s Community Connections program in San Antonio. 


    Through GFiber’s high-speed connection, we’re able to work quicker and smarter. Our radio studio has produced 14 local radio shows. We also added an on-demand feature on our website and a radio app that makes our programming more accessible on the go. Our online radio visitors continue to increase with current listenership at more than 17,000, who have downloaded more than 900 episodes to date from our website. 

    With GFiber’s support, we outfitted our Student Studio enabling us to teach students of all ages the skills necessary to harness the technology for storytelling, recording and editing. The voices of the most marginalized amongst us have traditionally been underrepresented in radio and our rich history and culture deserves to be uplifted and highlighted by those of us that live it.


    Additionally, GFiber provides 1 Gig service to our Digital Equity Center, which serves as a free WiFi hub for the community, with laptops and printers available for public use. 

    Today, our extensive programming has served thousands of San Antonians, creating transformative change for future generations of families. And with the support of GFiber, we will continue to carry out our mission for decades to come. 

    To learn more about our radio programming, please visit https://empowerhousesa.org/radio/.  

    Posted by Becca Najera, Assistant Director, Empower House SA


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