Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Social Impact
Cox Enterprises
In today’s world, businesses are called to go beyond profit and lead with purpose. Cox Enterprises stands out by fully embracing this responsibility with its 34 by 34 initiative serving as a powerful example of how social impact can be both ambitious and deeply integrated with business strategy.
Launched in 2020, 34 by 34 is Cox’s bold commitment to empower 34 million people to live more prosperous lives by 2034. What truly sets this initiative apart is its ability to meaningfully connect Cox’s employees across its core businesses Cox Communications and Cox Automotive, while staying deeply aligned with each division’s unique mission and market presence. The ambition extends beyond the company into the communities it serves, its investment companies, and throughout its value chain, increasing its impact on society.
A Unified Social Goal Built for Business and Community
Cox developed the 34 by 34 initiative in partnership with industry consultants and led by Cox’s Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Impact teams. The 34 by 34 initiative was designed to stretch beyond short-term goals and connect directly to the company’s long-term future focus.
Though there are many worthy causes, Cox focused its efforts on six prosperity pathways where the company’s business capabilities could deliver meaningful impact:
- Environmental Sustainability
- Technology Access
- Access to Lifelong Education
- Employment Skills
- Community Development
- Good Health
This focus ensures that each Cox business can activate initiatives tied to its strengths while contributing to a shared, measurable aspiration.
“When people are empowered, they create a ripple effect that positively impacts the lives of everyone around them,” shared Maury Wolfe, Vice President, Corporate Responsibility and Social Impact.
Business-Aligned Initiatives That Drive Real Impact
Cox’s 34 by 34 strategy isn’t about charity for charity’s sake-it’s about making prosperity tangible. While employees actively volunteer and drive impact in their communities, the work happening across the Cox family of businesses and investments is also creating lasting, meaningful change.
- Cox Communications: Through broadband programs like Connect2Compete and ConnectAssist, Cox delivers affordable high-speed internet to low-income households and underserved communities—bridging the digital divide while expanding its market footprint.
- Cox Automotive Cox Automotive is setting a new standard in EV battery lifecycle management—focusing on diagnostics, repair, and recycling—and is emerging as one of the world’s most efficient EV battery recyclers. Beyond operations, the company empowers community members, including local firefighters, by providing critical training in EV battery fire response and safety.
- Cox Enterprises: At the enterprise level, Cox is leveraging strategic investments to create positive social impact through its portfolio of mission-driven companies.
- Amplify, an EdTech platform combining evidence-based instruction with innovative digital solutions, provided more than 2.2 million students with high-quality educational programs.
- Cox Farms, the largest greenhouse operator in North America, partnered with Feeding America aiming to donate 3 million pounds of surplus produce, helping increase access to fresh food and promote better nutrition for families.
Making Progress, Growing the Good
Since the program’s launch, Cox has empowered over 11.6 million people—through digital access initiatives, employee volunteerism, environmental programs, and community investment.
Highlights include:
- Over 5 million people are empowered through digital access programs alone, including expansion in rural broadband access.
- New partnerships with nonprofits focused on STEAM education and community development.
- Increasing investment with small-business suppliers.
- Deepened volunteer engagement by highlighting the results of the volunteer efforts instead of tracking hours alone.
Cox believes measuring impact is essential to making informed, strategic decisions that drive meaningful progress. Their social impact measurement criteria incorporate evidence-based research to better understand social outcomes, not just financial metrics.
They prioritize research and transparency using tools like True Impact reporting software, their proprietary impact calculator and partner surveys to track how each initiative directly empowers individuals and communities.
A Social Goal That Reflects a Company’s Purpose
At its heart, 34 by 34 brings Cox’s corporate Purpose—empowering people to build a better future—to life. It’s a commitment to grow the good—one action, one community, one opportunity at a time.
Through 34 by 34, Cox isn’t just changing lives. It’s building a future where businesses succeed because communities thrive. Follow Cox’s progress and stories of impact at cox34by34.com
Key Takeaways for Corporate Social Impact:
- Unified social goals aligned to business capabilities drive deeper, more sustainable impact.
- Measurable ambition ensures accountability and stretches beyond business as usual.
- Real-world empowerment—not just philanthropy—is at the core of effective corporate citizenship today.
