Comcast is connecting households to the digital world by giving a $50,000 grant and 60 laptops to local nonprofit Brilliant Detroit.
Brilliant Detroit will use grant funds to expand six existing technology hubs to provide community residents with reliable, high-speed WiFi, digital skills and support needed to navigate an increasingly digital world. The hubs, strategically located throughout the city, give community members onsite access to digital devices, high-speed Internet, digital literacy programming and more.
“Developing foundational reading skills has always been the foundation of our work,” said Cindy Eggleton, CEO and co-founder of Brilliant Detroit. “In today’s digital age, reading alone cannot help a family prepare a child for success in school and life. Thanks to ongoing and generous support from Comcast, we can respond to the needs of our communities and together, with the Comcast team, increase digital access and knowledge for so many of Detroit’s families.”
Comcast will also fund Digital Navigation programming at Brilliant Detroit’s Morningside Hub (located on the eastside of the city) to establish a team of Digital Navigators committed to helping families stay connected, hosting digital skills training and supporting the hub participants during open tech hours. Digital Navigators are trusted voices in the community who help residents connect to free and low-cost Internet options and learn how to build their digital skills.
Digital Navigators will meet with community members two hours a week over a four-week period to teach topics including basic computer skills, Internet safety and conducting online research. Participants will receive an IT Fundamentals Certificate upon completion.
“Brilliant Detroit’s tech hub initiatives align with our priority to bridge the digital divide, making it the perfect fit for Digital Navigation services,” said Shannon Dulin, director of Community Impact for Comcast in Michigan. “With the establishment of Digital Navigators with Brilliant Detroit, our ability to reach more residents and provide them with digital literacy resources will exponentially expand.”
The grant to Brilliant Detroit is part of Project UP, our comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators.
