New Latino Digital Equity Centers initiative to support digital skills training and help prepare Latinos for the workforce of tomorrow
Hispanic Center of Western Michigan today announced that it has been selected as one of 20 Latino-led and serving nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive a $25,000 grant from the Hispanic Federation (HF) in partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal to enhance and expand its digital workforce training activities. The award is a part of the Hispanic Federation’s and Comcast’s new Latino Digital Equity Centers initiative, which is a national effort to strengthen institutions serving the Latino community with workforce development and digital training programs.
With the funds, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan will receive a first-of-its-kind training program known as the Digital Accelerator, designed for Latino-led nonprofits to strengthen their organizational capacity, programmatic offerings, and reach in the digital workforce development space. In addition, the organizations will offer a Digital Career Center that will provide both online and in-person training to community members seeking to increase their digital skills and connect to employment opportunities that leverage those skills.
“As the world keeps changing towards a more digital economy, it is crucial that our Latino community has the support to keep up with the changes. We are grateful for this partnership with Comcast that directly addresses the digital divide,” said Evelyn Esparza, Executive Director of the Hispanic Center. “We must continue to amplify our Latino community’s voices and advocate for resources and opportunities that will bring prosperity for our families.”
The path to achieving equity, self-sufficiency, and personalized prosperity for the Latino community is accelerated with these types of trainings and opportunities. According to the Kent County Community Health Needs Assessment, in 2019 the median household income for Hispanic or Latino families in Kent County was $46,458 compared to $67,324 for white families. With these trainings, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan can ensure that the Latino community is keeping up with the changes in the workforce, which will eventually lead to better high paying, stable jobs, and financial stability.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in today’s increasingly digital economy,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation. “Bridging the digital divide that disproportionately impacts Latinos is key to creating economic opportunity in the Latino community and a more equitable society. We’re excited to partner with Comcast to equip Latinos with the skills they need to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow.”
Over the next decade, 50 percent of tasks across all industries are expected to go digital, eliminating as many as 39 million jobs—and by 2030, at least two-thirds of jobs will require some level of digital skills. Latino workers represent 14 percent of overall workers but comprise 35 percent of workers with no digital skills and 20 percent have limited digital skills.
“Providing the community with technology tools and training to advance digital equity is more important than ever,” said Tim Collins, senior vice president for Comcast in Michigan. “The Hispanic Center of Western Michigan has been working diligently to deliver critical resources and ongoing support for Latinos in need. We are honored to help fund their new digital training programs, which will connect more people to employment opportunities.”
Because Latino workers tend to work in less digital-facing fields, they are at higher risk for future unemployment or underemployment. With the new grant, Hispanic Center of Western Michigan aims to benefit 100 Latino community members. Nationwide, the initiative will train 6,000 Latinos over the next year.
In selecting grantees for the Latino Digital Equity Centers Program, the Hispanic Federation prioritized Latino-led and serving 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated track record providing workforce development to Latino communities and commitment to enhance or expand a digital skills training program.
This program builds on Comcast’s long-term commitment to advance digital equity through Internet Essentials and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Comcast introduced two new ways for customers to connect through ACP, and both are available to any customer who qualifies in all the company’s service areas. Customers can sign up for Internet Essentials Plus, which includes 100 Mbps download speeds, a cable modem, and a WiFi router, and is free after the government’s ACP credit is applied. Additionally, Xfinity Internet customers participating in ACP now can also add mobile service through Xfinity Mobile.
Comcast NBCUniversal’s partnership with the Hispanic Federation is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.
