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Comcast Partners With Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction to Launch Program to Connect Low-income K-12 Students to the Internet at Home

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Comcast has partnered with the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to launch the K–12 Internet Access Program, aiming to provide free internet access to low-income students in Washington. The initiative supports families who lack internet connectivity, enabling online learning from home. Comcast's Internet Essentials program will serve up to 38,000 qualifying families for the 2020-2021 school year. Funded by the federal CARES Act, this initiative is vital for bridging the digital divide during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Positive
  • Partnership with OSPI to enhance internet access for low-income K-12 students.
  • Up to 38,000 families to receive free internet service, fostering educational opportunities.
  • Funding provided by the federal CARES Act supports critical connectivity during the pandemic.
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  • None.

LYNNWOOD, Wash.--()--Comcast today announced that it is partnering with the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) to launch a new program for schools throughout Washington state to connect large numbers of low-income K-12 students to the internet at home, free of charge. Washington’s K–12 Internet Access Program allows students and their families who previously didn’t have internet access to connect to online learning from home.

OSPI is taking advantage of Internet Essentials, a Comcast program designed for low-income families and individuals to acquire access to the internet, to support Washington’s K–12 Internet Access Program. The Comcast portion of the OSPI program will serve up to 38,000 qualifying low-income families with free internet service through the remainder of the 2020-2021 academic school year.

"Our services have never been more important, and we’re doing everything we can to connect students to the internet during this unprecedented time," said Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President, Comcast Washington. "We’re working to ensure that households are equipped for students to learn and stay informed at home and are proud to partner with Superintendent Reykdal to help keep kids connected through our Internet Essentials program."

Funding for the Washington’s K–12 Internet Access Program comes from the federal CARES Act. To help with COVID-related costs, Congress provided $195 million to Washington’s school districts and $21 million to OSPI for statewide coordination and support. The $195 million has already been provided to districts to address COVID-related needs. For more information, visit: https://www.k12.wa.us/about-ospi/press-releases/novel-coronavirus-covid-19-guidance-resources/k%E2%80%9312-internet-access-program

About Internet Essentials:

Since August 2011, Internet Essentials has connected millions of low-income households to the internet, most for the very first time. During that period, the program has grown from focusing on bridging the “homework gap” for school-age children to addressing digital equity issues for all Americans. The program offers low-cost, high-speed internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax, provides access to free digital skills training in print, online, and in person, and includes the option to purchase a low-cost internet-ready computer.

For individuals and organizations interested in becoming a partner, please visit: https://partner.internetessentials.com to order free collateral materials. To apply, go to: www.internetessentials.com using any web-connected device, including mobile phones. The accessible website also includes the option to video chat with customer service agents in American Sign Language. In addition, there are two dedicated phone numbers: 1-855-846-8376 for English and 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

About Comcast Corporation:

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company with three primary businesses: Comcast Cable, NBCUniversal, and Sky. Comcast Cable is one of the United States’ largest high-speed internet, video, and phone providers to residential customers under the Xfinity brand, and also provides these services to businesses. It also provides wireless and security and automation services to residential customers under the Xfinity brand. NBCUniversal is global and operates news, entertainment and sports cable networks, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, television production operations, television station groups, Universal Pictures, and Universal Parks and Resorts. Sky is one of Europe's leading media and entertainment companies, connecting customers to a broad range of video content through its pay television services. It also provides communications services, including residential high-speed internet, phone, and wireless services. Sky operates the Sky News broadcast network and sports and entertainment networks, produces original content, and has exclusive content rights. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

Contacts

Media Contacts:
Andy Colley, Comcast
Andy_Colley@Comcast.com
(425) 248-5438

Nick McDonald
Nick_McDonald@Comcast.com
(425) 977-5565

FAQ

What is the Comcast K–12 Internet Access Program?

The Comcast K–12 Internet Access Program allows low-income K-12 students in Washington state to connect to the internet at home for free.

How many families will benefit from the Comcast internet program?

Up to 38,000 qualifying low-income families will benefit from the Comcast program during the 2020-2021 academic year.

What funding supports the Washington K–12 Internet Access Program?

The program is funded by the federal CARES Act, which allocated $195 million to Washington's school districts.

How does the Internet Essentials program work?

Internet Essentials provides low-cost high-speed internet for $9.95 a month and includes access to free digital skills training.

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