As the winter solstice approaches and the holiday lights glitter from so many windows, we are reminded that not everyone is celebrating; that not everyone lives in certainty. For students experiencing homelessness, stability isn’t temporary relief but a foundation for hope, dreams, and possibility. For too many of San Diego’s students, that foundation often feels shaky. But this holiday season, one generous gift—delivered in a spirit of community care—is helping reinforce the ground beneath their feet.
Cox Communications announced this month that it has committed a $150,000 grant to the Monarch School Project. This investment will support critical basic needs of Monarch’s community, including housing, food security, and essential wraparound services.
Supporting Students Beyond the Classroom
The Monarch School Project is the nation’s only public-private K–12 institution dedicated exclusively to serving youth experiencing homelessness. For more than 30 years, Monarch has paired academic instruction with trauma-informed care, wraparound services, and emotional support—recognizing that learning can only happen when basic needs are met.
Cox Communications’ investment will help fund essential services, including:
- Housing stability support
- Food security programs
- Wraparound services for students and families
This support strengthens the foundation students need not only to succeed academically, but to heal, grow, and imagine brighter futures.
A Holiday Gift That Multiplies Community Impact
The timing of this grant is especially impactful. Cox’s contribution comes at the midpoint of Monarch’s end-of-year campaign, creating a triple-match opportunity that amplifies every additional donation made during this critical period.
By sparking momentum and encouraging community participation, this gift extends its reach far beyond its initial investment—benefiting students today and strengthening long-term support systems for families across San Diego.
“We are deeply grateful to Cox Communications for this generous investment in our students and families,” said Debra Molyneux, Interim CEO of the Monarch School. “Their partnership helps ensure every child has the stability and support needed to learn and thrive, bringing us closer to a future where homelessness never defines a child’s promise.”
Why Stability Changes Everything
For Monarch students, stability opens doors that once felt out of reach. Alumni and recent graduates consistently share how having a safe, supportive environment allowed them to focus, dream, and build meaningful relationships.
One Monarch alum from the Class of 2019 shared how the school helped them discover purpose and persist through higher education. Another graduate reflected on the hope that came from hearing their family might soon have permanent housing—and the importance of having consistent mentors and role models.
These stories highlight Monarch’s human-centered approach, where academic success is paired with social-emotional learning, belonging, and trust.
“If I ever need help,” said a recent graduate, “they are going to be here—and they will help me.”
Cox Communications’ Longstanding Commitment to Education and Equity
Cox Communications has supported the Monarch School Project for nearly a decade. Beyond this grant, Cox has been a national leader in addressing the digital divide, launching programs like Connect2Compete and ConnectAssist to provide affordable internet access to families who need it most.
“Supporting the Monarch School is about more than education,” said Sam Attisha, SVP of West Region Network and Field Operations at Cox Communications and a Monarch board member since 2020. “It’s about restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity for students who deserve the chance to dream big despite unimaginable challenges.”
With Internet + Mobile plans by Cox Communications starting at just $70, connecting your family while supporting a company that gives back just makes sense.
