Comcast's Internet Essentials Program Announces $200,000 in Grants and Starts Distributing 3,000 Laptops to Baltimore City Organizations Committed to Workforce Development and Digital Equity

Rhea-AI Summary

Comcast's Internet Essentials program has initiated a significant workforce development program in Baltimore City, allocating $200,000 in grants and distributing 3,000 laptops to various organizations focused on education and digital equity. Key partners include the Community College of Baltimore County and Baltimore City Community College. The $30,000 grant from CCBC will assist under-resourced students. Comcast's Project UP aims to enhance digital equity with a $1 billion commitment over the next ten years to reach 50 million people.

Positive

• Grant allocation of $200,000 for workforce development in Baltimore City.
• Distribution of 3,000 laptops to support education and digital equity.
• Collaboration with established organizations like CCBC to aid students in need.
• Project UP's $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity over the next decade.

Negative

• None.

BALTIMORE, Nov. 17, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast's Internet Essentials program announced today a major workforce development initiative in Baltimore City that includes $200,000 in grants. In addition, the company began distributing 3,000 new laptops to multiple organizations across the city focused on education, workforce development and digital equity, including:

• Mayor's Office of Employment Development
• Community College of Baltimore County
• Baltimore City Community College
• Baltimore's Promise
• Catholic Charities of Baltimore
• Center for Urban Families
• Grassrootz (Gro-Charity)
• Liberty Village Project
• Digital Harbor High School

On November 11, 2021, the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) was the first partner to announce its $30,000 workforce development grant and a donation of laptops from Comcast. The grant will help students who lack resources through the college's Student Emergency Aid Fund while the laptops will go to students enrolled in CCBC certificate and adult literacy education programs. CCBC serves 50,000 students of which more than half are continuing education, adult learners. CCBC will also be helping to drive awareness of the federal Emergency Broadband Benefit to enrolled students, allowing eligible students to receive free or steeply discounted Internet service at home.

"With free and low-cost Internet available to every Baltimorean, we need to collectively focus on driving broadband adoption by ensuring everyone has the know-how and tools to get online," said Michael Parker, senior vice president for Comcast's Beltway Region. "Education at every level is critical and our workforce development grants and laptop donations will help ensure that adults entering the workforce have the tools, skills and confidence to find employment and succeed."

Research shows that low-income students and their families face numerous broadband adoption challenges, including housing insecurity, literacy challenges, language barriers, and lack of digital skills training. As a result, Comcast's digital equity efforts have been designed to address as many of these challenges as possible, including offering low-cost broadband Internet at home; the option to purchase a heavily subsidized, affordable computer; access to free WiFi in community centers nationwide; and numerous options to acquire the digital skills necessary to navigate distance learning and use the Internet.

Project UP & Comcast's $1 Billion Commitment to Advancing Digital Equity
For over a decade, connecting more people to the Internet and the technology they need to participate and excel in an increasingly digital world has been a core focus for Comcast. Looking toward the next ten years, the company is building on that foundation and expanding its impact through Project UP, a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach 50 million 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. For more information on Project UP and the latest news on efforts to address digital inequities, including the recent expansion of the Comcast RISE Investment Fund to provide millions in grants to small business owners of color and investment in research to increase diversity in the technology and digital fields, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

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SOURCE Comcast NBCUniversal

FAQ

What is Comcast's recent initiative announced in Baltimore?

Comcast announced a workforce development initiative in Baltimore City involving $200,000 in grants and the distribution of 3,000 laptops.

How much funding did the Community College of Baltimore County receive?

The Community College of Baltimore County received a $30,000 workforce development grant from Comcast.

What is Project UP by Comcast?

Project UP is Comcast's initiative aimed at advancing digital equity, backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach 50 million people.

What organizations are involved in Comcast's laptop distribution?

Organizations involved include the Mayor's Office of Employment Development and Baltimore City Community College.

What challenges does Comcast aim to address with its digital equity efforts?

Comcast's digital equity efforts address challenges like broadband adoption barriers for low-income families.