Comcast is providing more than $1.1 million in cash and in-kind support to a new State of Colorado digital navigation program, and to local community-based organizations to support programs to assist people with resources to access the Internet and digital skills programs. Comcast is supporting these initiatives as part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive, one-billion-dollar initiative to advance digital equity.
The announcement follows the launch of a nationwide study by the Boston Consulting Group, which found digital navigators are critical to helping close the digital divide and reduce socioeconomic inequalities by helping more people get online.
The study surveyed 1,500 individuals across the country who received support from a digital navigator. Findings include:
·More than 65 % have Internet access or a computer or tablet at home; among Hispanic and Black Americans, this increased to 72 %.
·More than 85 % said they used the Internet more frequently.
·Almost half obtained better healthcare, 40 % received support with basic needs like food, rent, and housing.
·1 in 3 either found a new job, or earned a higher income.
“For more than a decade, Comcast has invested in communities to bridge the digital divide. Our local Colorado partners hold the key to making real transformative change happen for families across the state,” said Broderick Johnson, Executive Vice President, Public Policy and Digital Equity, at Comcast.
“Having robust, reliable WiFi is key to fully participating in today’s digital society. Our kids and their parents need the digital tools and skills to do their homework, search for jobs, and access vitial community services to achieve their future,” said Sonya Ulibarri, CEO of Girls Inc. of Metro Denver. “Partnering with experts in digital equity and connectivity, like Comcast, is critical to being able to support the people and communities we serve.”
Through 2023, Comcast will provide support valued at more than $1.1 million to local community programs to enable the to acquire technology equipment, provide digital skills trainings, and offer opportunities for people to explore and train for careers in tech-related fields. It will also help them develop the kinds of technology skills to help them launch and grow their own businesses.
Organizations receiving support include:
•Anchor Center for Blind Children
•Boys & Girls Clubs (in many communities across the
state)
•Cleo Parker Robinson Dance “STREAM” Technical
Theater Program
•Colorado PBS12
•Community Computer Connection (C3)
•Denver Youth Empowerment Center
•Easterseals Colorado
•Entrepreneurship for All Longmont (EforAll)
•Girls Inc. of Metro Denver
•Mi Casa Resource Center
•Mile High United Way
•Office of the Future of Work - Colorado Department of
Labor and Employment
•Sistahbiz Global Network
•Watson Institute
•Young Americans - Youth Biz: Technology Skills for
Young Entrepreneurs
Since 2011, Comcast has connected more than 560,000 low-income Coloradans through its Internet Essentials program.
Comcast equipped nearly 100 Lift Zones in community centers across Colorado with fast, secure WiFi so students and adults can get online for school and work.
Comcast works with organizations throughout Colorado to drive awareness around the federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and to eliminate the barriers to digital adoption, including cost, equipment, and digital skills. https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/acp