Comcast, along with community partners People’s Emergency Center, Philadelphia OIC and Career Wardrobe, will provide a series of free training sessions in Philadelphia this fall as part of the company’s Internet Essentials program, the nation’s largest broadband adoption initiative designed to bridge the digital divide. The sessions are open to the public and designed to help participants gain basic computer skills and an understanding of how the Internet can be useful to their families.
Since the spring of 2012, more than 250 classes have been held in Philadelphia through Comcast’s digital literacy training partnerships, with a combined attendance of more than 3,600 — benefiting up to 14,000 Philadelphia-area family members.
“Parents and grandparents who do not use a computer on a regular basis sometimes don’t see the need for students to have Internet access at home,” said Tan Vu, Director of Digital Inclusion for People’s Emergency Center. “Teaching the parents basic computer skills opens their eyes to the power of the Internet and what it can help everyone in the family accomplish.”
Training sessions are free, but advance registration is suggested. Both adults and students are welcome to attend.
People’s Emergency Center (3939 Warren Street):
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., September 1 to October 1
Call 267-777-5860 or e-mail di_pec-cares.org to register
Philadelphia OIC (1231 N. Broad Street):
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, noon to 1:30 p.m., September 2 to October 7
Call 215-236-7700 x350 to register
Career Wardrobe (21 S. 12th Street):
September 9, 9 a.m. to noon
September 18, 9 a.m. to noon
October 14, 9 a.m. to noon
Call 215-568-6693 to register
Nationally, Comcast has invested more than $240 million in cash and in-kind support to fund digital literacy initiatives. Our community partners have provided support for free digital literacy training and education for nearly 3.2 million people.
Internet Essentials from Comcast is the nation’s largest and most comprehensive high-speed Internet adoption program. It provides low-cost high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month plus tax; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for under $150; and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online and in-person. Eligible families must have at least one child eligible to participate in the National School Lunch Program, including public, parochial, private, charter, and home-schooled students. For more information, or to apply for the program, visit www.InternetEssentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376. Spanish speakers should call 1-855-765-6995.