From Shannon Dulin, Senior Director, Community Investments, Comcast Central Division
Digital Inclusion Week, Oct. 7 – 11, is a time where we collectively recognize the importance of everyone having access to the Internet, and how digital skills are needed to truly take advantage of the online world. It is core to Comcast’s mission as a company to not only offer the world’s best entertainment and online experiences, but to connect people and platforms, creating a more equitable society and positive change.
Through Comcast’s Project UP, our $1B commitment to advancing digital equity, we partner with local community organizations in underserved communities to offer free Internet access via Lift Zones and support vital programs, which provide participants with digital literacy training and digital navigation services to expand their world with unlimited possibilities.
Comcast Heartland’s local Community Investment Directors and Managers are the face and voice of Project UP in the communities where we live, work and serve. They help bring to life our commitment to bridging the digital divide, and in turn – take steps towards creating a more equitable and inclusive future.
“We all benefit from a more inclusive and equitable digital landscape, and we all play a role in making digital inclusion a reality. In my role, my goal is to play a small part in creating a world where everyone has access to a device, access to high-speed internet, and the access to learning the skills required to thrive, today and tomorrow.”
Jennifer Jambor
Director of Community Impact, Comcast’s Heartland Region
Supporting Community Organizations
By fostering a diverse and dynamic ecosystem of local partners, we’re helping to build a rich community of inclusive digital learning programs for families and adult learners throughout the South. These organizations have a deep understanding of the needs of their communities and can tailor digital training programs to meet those needs.
“We want to create a future where every Detroiter is digitally included, especially our seniors. With the support from Comcast, we can further enhance the lives of our seniors by teaching the digital skills and open up an entirely new world for them online.”
SaTrice Coleman-Betts
Executive director of St. Patrick Senior Center
By working together, we can ensure that our digital inclusion programs reach the people who need them most.
Championing Digital Literacy Training
Beyond access to the internet, some community members may be uncertain of how to best utilize all the opportunities afforded to them only in the digital world. From being unfamiliar to fearful, they may not be able to take advantage of basic digital skills – from sending an email to opening a spreadsheet – to everyday life incentives – such as finding better healthcare or applying for jobs. Through Project UP, we specifically seek community organizations who offer free and inclusive digital training, along with Digital Navigator programs to help ‘train the trainers’ who are trusted voices at these centers.
The Role of Digital Navigators
Digital navigators play a crucial role in bridging the digital divide. These individuals are trusted and trained to provide support to community members, helping them learn how to use technology safely, comfortably and effectively. They also work to identify barriers to internet access and develop strategies to overcome them.
“Families, students, seniors – even the most tech-savvy of us – can benefit from someone invested in our ability to access the internet and learn new skills. Digital Navigators are the teachers and supporters that bridge the digital divide in real time, and help Michiganders harness the power of the internet to fuel a future of unlimited possibilities.”
Meghan Hanley
Community Impact Manager, Comcast’s Heartland Region
Offering Affordable Internet
One of the biggest barriers to Internet access is cost. That’s why Comcast offers a variety of affordable home Internet plans, including:
NOW lines of service with all-in pricing without contracts or credit checks for both home Internet and mobile plans.
Additionally, we also work with community organizations to provide internet access in public spaces, such as community centers. Comcast has created 60 “Lift Zones” at community centers across Michigan to offer free WiFi access. With more than 1,250 Lift Zone locations nationwide, these active online learning hubs not only offer free internet access but often provide classes and other learning opportunities. Click here to find a Lift Zone near you.
Digital Empowerment
Core to who we are as a company, we’re committed to help the communities we serve in both access and adoption of technology. By providing access to low-cost Internet options, and bolstering community-based digital access and literacy training, we’re helping people connect with loved ones, find jobs, access education and participate fully in the online world.
