Comcast is deeply committed to creating and supporting digital equity within the communities we serve – including those across western, central, and northeastern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, northern West Virginia, and the Maryland panhandle – during Digital Inclusion Week (October 7-12) and all year long.
We work to bridge the digital divide through Project UP, which includes programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators.
This initiative includes programs like Internet Essentials, Lift Zones and Digital Navigators. Since its inception in 2011, Comcast’s Internet Essentials has connected more than 2 million low-income Pennsylvania residents to broadband service at home. Additionally, we have launched more than 1,250 Lift Zones in community centers nationwide, with 176 locations in Pennsylvania alone, to provide students and families with free, high-speed WiFi and digital skills training. And, we work to expand the network of Digital Navigators – individuals who are trained to help get more people connected – across the country to help close the digital divide. The United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania employs Digital Navigators in the Pittsburgh area. Tap into their services this Digital Inclusion Week or anytime.
Partnering For a More Equitable Future
In addition to these programs, we support partners across the Keystone Region in their efforts to reach individuals and communities with the information they need to excel in our increasingly digital world. This week marks the National Digital Inclusion Alliance’s ‘Digital Inclusion Week’ and its theme – “Stronger Together” – highlights that partnership is an important path to achieving digital equity. Here are some of the organizations we’ve worked with this year helping to advance digital adoption and literacy in Keystone.
Light of Life Rescue Mission
Light of Life Rescue Mission provides a home for the homeless and food for the hungry in Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. In April of this year, Comcast presented a $10,000 grant to the organization in support of its focus on transforming the lives of those who experience homelessness. The grant helped serve more than 3,500 meals locally.
African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania
With a mission to continuously improve business and professional opportunities for its members, the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania was awarded a $25,000 grant from Comcast in July of 2024. With it, the Chamber will deploy a series of digital skills workshops and webinars that will teach website development, digital marketing, and e-commerce business creation.
Neighborhood Allies
Neighborhood Allies is a non-profit organization in Pittsburgh that accelerates, scales and sustains the work of their community partners to create healthy neighborhoods of opportunity. Through a grant of $25,000 awarded by Comcast earlier this year, the organization will host three educational events for small businesses and solo entrepreneurs focused on technical assistance for web design, social media training, and e-commerce training. Neighborhood Allies will also host a website roundtable with digital experts to share firsthand knowledge and troubleshoot business needs.
STEM Coding Lab
STEM Coding Lab drives digital literacy for all children, and is the only Pittsburgh nonprofit devoted exclusively to bringing computer science education into under-resourced schools throughout our region. Comcast awarded the organization a grant of $40,000 over the summer, and with a focus on kindergarten through eighth-grade learners, the organization will continue to equip students with computer science education. The curriculum includes a new AI program and coding classes teaching the creation of story animations, games, websites, and apps.
Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania
The mission of the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania is to empower veterans to reach their fullest potential as citizens of the country they have so proudly served. Through a grant of $60,000 provided by Comcast in July 2024, the organization will serve Veterans in 30 counties through its mobile computer bank and digital literacy programs, which are focused on housing search assistance and career development coaching. Continued guided job exploration, resume development, and job application coaching will also be provided.
Expanding Broadband to Underserved Communities
We also continue to expand our fast, reliable and secure Xfinity network to connect more homes and businesses to the power of the Internet. For instance, expansion is occurring in Belmont County, Springfield Township and additional parts of Mahoning County in Ohio as well as Marshall and Pine Townships in Pennsylvania. Many other projects are underway and more are to come from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s recent selection of Comcast to expand its network across 158 municipalities.
In any area that Xfinity service is available, eligible customers have access to Internet Essentials and Internet Essentials Plus.
During Digital Inclusion Week and every week, Comcast and our partners are working hard to bridge the digital divide for good!
