CHARTER LAUNCHES $100K SPECTRUM SCHOLARS SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM WITH AMERICAN INDIAN COLLEGE FUND

Charter’s New Scholarship and Mentorship Initiative Aims to Support Underrepresented Students with Demonstrated Financial Need with $20K Scholarships for Junior-Senior Year

Denver, CO – May 5, 2020 – Charter Communications, Inc. today announced the creation of the Spectrum Scholars program with the American Indian College Fund, a two-year educational program for eligible rising Native American and Alaska Native juniors with financial need. This is part of a larger commitment Charter has made to four organizations.

Applications are now being accepted by the American Indian College Fund to select five students who will each be awarded a $20,000 college scholarship to be used over the course of their junior and senior years. Students selected as Spectrum Scholars will participate in a structured, two-year program focused on professional development. Beginning in the 2020-2021 academic year, students also will receive a Charter mentor and the opportunity to explore an internship at Charter, one of the nation’s largest broadband and connectivity companies.

Rhonda Crichlow, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer at Charter, said, “Charter is committed to making a lasting difference in the communities we serve. We are pleased to launch Spectrum Scholars, which will provide talented, underrepresented college students critical resources, mentoring and – importantly – access to opportunities. The launch of this program comes at a time when our communities need us most, and Charter is proud to play a critical role enabling students to continue their studies.”

Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of the American Indian College Fund, said, “On behalf of our students, I want to thank Charter for supporting students who have an interest in telecommunications and business by not only giving them financial support but encouraging the vital experience of mentoring. Our students appreciate being able to learn more about real world opportunities and mentoring is an excellent way to provide that learning.”

The addition of Spectrum Scholars continues the company’s deep commitment to its communities. And Spectrum Scholars’ goals to further develop the company’s workforce, especially during a difficult economy, fall within Charter’s overall mission of meeting the needs of the communities it serves.

More information on how to apply to become a Spectrum Scholar is available at collegefund.org/scholarships.

Charter Communications is committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of its business and strives to leverage the full diversity of its people and partners to make a meaningful difference for its customers, employees and communities. In addition to this commitment, Charter’s Community Impact team has developed several programs to improve local communities. In 2015, it launched its initial signature program, Spectrum Housing Assist, with the goal of improving 50,000 homes. To date, the company has reached more than 41,000 homes. In 2017, Charter expanded its philanthropic efforts by launching Spectrum Digital Education, which provides funding to local organizations helping to close the digital divide. Since the program’s inception, the company has committed $6 million in grants and in-kind support. In 2019, Spectrum Employee Community Grants was created to support employees’ volunteer work at local social and human services nonprofits. Last year, the company donated $250,000 to 140 organizations across 24 states for this program.

About Charter

Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR) is a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 29 million customers in 41 states through its Spectrum brand. Over an advanced communications network, the company offers a full range of state-of-the-art residential and business services including Spectrum Internet®, TV, Mobile and Voice.

For small and medium-sized companies, Spectrum Business® delivers the same suite of broadband products and services coupled with special features and applications to enhance productivity, while for larger businesses and government entities, Spectrum Enterprise provides highly customized, fiber-based solutions. Spectrum Reach® delivers tailored advertising and production for the modern media landscape. The company also distributes award-winning news coverage, sports and high-quality original programming to its customers through Spectrum Networks and Spectrum Originals. More information about Charter can be found at corporate.charter.com.

About the American Indian College Fund

Founded in 1989, the American Indian College Fund has been the nation’s largest charity supporting Native higher education for 30 years.  The College Fund believes “Education is the answer” and provided $7.72 million in scholarships to 3,900 American Indian students in 2018-19, with nearly 137,000 scholarships and community support totaling over $221.8 million since its inception.  The College Fund also supports a variety of academic and support programs at the nation’s 35 accredited tribal colleges and universities, which are located near Indian reservations, ensuring students have the tools to graduate and succeed in their careers.  The College Fund consistently receives top ratings from independent charity evaluators and is one of the nation’s top 100 charities named to the better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. For more information about the American Indian College Fund, please visit www.collegefund.org.

Reporters: The American Indian College Fund does not use the acronym AICF. On second reference, please use College Fund.

CONTACT:
Dina Horwedel
dhorwedel@collegefund.org, 303-430-5350