October 6, 2023 3:50 a.m.

In the KQEN Business Spotlight:

UScellular has donated 20 wireless hotspots and two years of service to the Boys & Girls Club of the Umpqua Valley as part of its “After School Access Project”. In addition, the company will renew two years of service for 20 previously issued hotspots for a combined total value of just over $45,000. A company release said the project provides free mobile hotspots and service to nonprofits that support youth after the school day has ended, and provides safe internet access to homework and education. The hot spots provide high-speed connectivity to youth while at the facility and at the homes of members who check-out the devices.

The local club is a non-profit organization serving more than 3,000 local youth entering 1st grade through 12th grade annually.

Since 2021, the company has donated more than $12 million supporting over 100 organizations with hotspots and service nationwide. In early 2023, UScellular extended its pledge and committed up to $13 million in new funding to the program.