Comcast Awards $150,000 in Grants to Four Allegheny County Organizations to Help Close Pittsburgh’s Digital Divide

Rhea-AI Summary

Comcast has awarded $150,000 in grants to four Pittsburgh-based non-profit organizations as part of its Project UP, a $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity. The recipients are the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania, Neighborhood Allies, STEM Coding Lab, and Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania. These grants will support various initiatives, including digital skills workshops, educational events for small businesses, computer science education for K-8 students, and digital literacy programs for veterans.

In addition to the grants, Comcast has installed 176 free WiFi-connected Lift Zones in Pennsylvania, part of over 1,250 nationwide. The company is also expanding its Xfinity network in Allegheny and Butler Counties, potentially reaching 11,000 additional homes and businesses. Comcast has also received funding from Pennsylvania to connect underserved communities in Beaver, Indiana, and Westmoreland Counties.

Positive

• Comcast awarded $150,000 in grants to four Pittsburgh-based non-profit organizations
• Installation of 176 free WiFi-connected Lift Zones in Pennsylvania
• Network expansion projects in Allegheny and Butler Counties, potentially reaching 11,000 additional homes and businesses
• Received funding from Pennsylvania to connect underserved communities in Beaver, Indiana, and Westmoreland Counties

Negative

• None.

Community Development Specialist

Comcast's $150,000 grant allocation to four Pittsburgh-based non-profits is a strategic move to address the digital divide in Allegheny County. This initiative, part of Comcast's broader $1 billion Project UP commitment, targets key areas of digital equity and literacy.

The grants' focus on digital skills workshops, e-commerce training and STEM education for underserved communities is particularly noteworthy. These programs have the potential to create a ripple effect in the local economy by empowering small businesses, entrepreneurs and the next generation of tech-savvy workers.

The inclusion of the Veterans Leadership Program is especially impactful, as it addresses the often-overlooked digital needs of veterans across 30 counties. This comprehensive approach, combining housing assistance with career development, could significantly improve veterans' economic prospects.

Comcast's investment in 176 free WiFi-connected Lift Zones in Pennsylvania is a game-changer for those facing housing insecurity or lacking home internet access. This infrastructure, coupled with the Internet Essentials program, creates a robust ecosystem for digital inclusion.

The ongoing network expansion projects in Allegheny and Butler Counties, set to connect approximately 11,000 homes, signal Comcast's commitment to improving broadband access in the region. This expansion, along with the state-funded projects in Beaver, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties, could potentially attract businesses and boost economic development in these areas.

While these initiatives are commendable, their long-term success will depend on sustained engagement and adaptability to evolving digital needs. The true measure of impact will be in the tangible improvements in digital literacy, economic opportunities and quality of life for Pittsburgh residents.

Digital Equity Analyst

Comcast's targeted $150,000 investment in Pittsburgh's digital ecosystem is a strategic approach to bridging the digital divide. By focusing on four key organizations, each addressing different aspects of digital equity, Comcast is creating a multi-pronged attack on technological disparities.

The African American Chamber of Commerce's initiative is particularly crucial, as it addresses the digital skills gap in minority-owned businesses. This could lead to increased competitiveness and growth in a sector that has historically faced barriers to digital adoption.

Neighborhood Allies' focus on small businesses and solo entrepreneurs is timely, given the accelerated shift to e-commerce and digital marketing post-pandemic. This initiative could be a lifeline for local businesses struggling to establish an online presence.

STEM Coding Lab's program targeting K-8 learners is forward-thinking, especially with the introduction of AI education. Early exposure to these technologies could significantly impact the future workforce landscape in Pittsburgh.

The expansion of Lift Zones is a pragmatic solution to immediate connectivity needs, particularly for students and job seekers who lack reliable internet access at home. However, the long-term goal should be to transition these users to stable, in-home broadband connections.

While these grants and initiatives are positive steps, their $150,000 total is relatively modest compared to Comcast's $1 billion Project UP commitment. The true test will be in the scalability and sustainability of these programs beyond the initial funding period. Continuous assessment and potential expansion of successful initiatives will be important for lasting impact on Pittsburgh's digital landscape.

 Funding Will Support Local Digital Equity and Literacy Efforts

PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Comcast has announced it is awarding four Pittsburgh-based non-profit organizations a total of $150,000 in grants as part of its continued investment in Allegheny County. These funds, which will be awarded to the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania, Neighborhood Allies, STEM Coding Lab, and Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through 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.

Comcast’s local grants will support the following initiatives:

• African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania – The Chamber will deploy a series of digital skills workshops and webinars that will teach website development, digital marketing, and e-commerce business creation to members of the Chamber.
• Neighborhood Allies – The community development 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 – With a focus on kindergarten through eighth-grade learners, the organization will continue to equip students – especially those who wouldn’t otherwise have access – with computer science education. The curriculum includes coding classes during which participants create story animations, games, websites, and apps, and STEM Coding Lab will introduce a new program on Artificial Intelligence locally.
• Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania – 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.

“Veterans in our community have relied on our partnership with Comcast since we joined forces 10 years ago,” said Ben Stahl, D.Sc., Chief Executive Officer of the Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania. “With this grant from Comcast, we will continue to aid Veterans in their career growth and help them find a safe and secure place to live.”

Comcast’s local investment also includes the installation of a total of 176 free WiFi-connected Lift Zones in Pennsylvania, and there are more than 1,250 Lift Zones nationwide. Lift Zones, which provide Internet access on-the-go, complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program that provides in-home broadband connectivity. Lift Zones help students, Veterans, and anyone who, for a variety of reasons (including homelessness, or housing insecurity issues), need somewhere to go during the day to connect to the Internet and to learn digital skills.

“We believe in the power of digital equity, digital literacy, and strong connectivity to improve quality of life,” said Kevin Broadhurst, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Comcast’s Keystone Region, which is based in Pennsylvania. “Awarding grants to Pittsburgh-area purpose-driven organizations allows our community to excel through high-speed Internet and effective training.”

In addition to the grants, and as part of Comcast’s commitment to improving access to fast, reliable Internet throughout Pittsburgh, network expansion projects are currently ongoing in both Allegheny and Butler Counties. These include projects in Marshall and Pine Townships, which will bring the Xfinity network to approximately 3,000 homes and additional businesses, and Cranberry Township, where approximately 8,000 homes will have access once construction is complete. In addition, the company was awarded funding from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania this year to connect underserved and unserved communities across Beaver, Indiana, and Westmoreland Counties.

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

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Media Contact

Meredith Klein

Meredith_Klein@comcast.com

412-699-1509

Source: Comcast Corporation

FAQ

How much did Comcast (CMCSA) award in grants to Pittsburgh organizations in 2023?

Comcast awarded a total of $150,000 in grants to four Pittsburgh-based non-profit organizations in 2023.

Which organizations received grants from Comcast (CMCSA) in Pittsburgh?

The four organizations that received grants are the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania, Neighborhood Allies, STEM Coding Lab, and Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania.

What is Project UP by Comcast (CMCSA)?

Project UP is Comcast's $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for innovators, entrepreneurs, and creators.

How many Lift Zones has Comcast (CMCSA) installed in Pennsylvania?

Comcast has installed a total of 176 free WiFi-connected Lift Zones in Pennsylvania.