Internet and broadband service provider Astound announced a number of grants to area agencies March 4. This comes in addition to Astound’s $81 million network improvements that are underway.

“We want to help businesses and residents get on the Internet and are helping to accelerate that,” said Astound Vice President of sales Clyde Lee III.

On hand to receive their $50,000 each were representatives of the Allentown, Bethlehem and Easton Boys and Girls Clubs and the Allentown Public Library, Bethlehem Area Public Library and Memorial Library of Nazareth.

“It’s a consumer-centric initiative and a partnership,” Lee said.

BAPL Executive Director Josh Berk said, “it’s not everyday that people remember the great things that go on at libraries. What Astound is doing is astounding.” The BAPL will make improvements at both the Southside and Main Branch in the children’s computer lab, ESL class computer lab, and add fun components like 3D printers.

Boys & Girls Club of Bethlehem chief executive officer Winston Alozie noted that the 95-year-old organization is already a customer of Astound and has been using outdated technology components from 2010. The funding will be used to upgrade the club’s learning and gaming centers, make additional technology improvements, and dress up the areas with fresh paint and new flooring.

Allentown Library director Renee Haines and Memorial Library of Nazareth executive director Holly Bennett are looking to make similar improvements, such as “improving information resources and other tools for the community” in Allentown and “faster computers, more reliable WI-FI and printing technology” in the Nazareth area.

Allentown Boys & Girls Club Chief Executive Officer Katarah Jordan says their 1,200 members will benefit with “improved wireless access and enhancements to the teen lab.”

Dean Young, chief executive officer at the Easton Boys & Girls Club, says the funding will be used on “3D printing, virtual reality tools and a new floor.”

Astound’s Lee summarized his company’s involvement and commitment saying, “this is near and dear to my heart. We want to be involved throughout your journey.”