Comcast’s Support for Digital Opportunity in New Jersey

Comcast recently awarded 16 community-based partners in New Jersey more than $385,000 in funding to support programs and events that further digital equity by developing workforce skills, increasing access to educational opportunities, and removing barriers to build a stronger, more prosperous community.

The support is made possible through Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion comprehensive initiative to advance digital opportunity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Over the last three years, Comcast has provided $17.1M in cash and in-kind contributions to New Jersey nonprofits.

“Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital opportunities across the Garden State,” said Stephanie L. Kosta, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs, Comcast Freedom Region. “Our partner organizations on the ground are critical because they know what is needed to close the digital divide and work toward that goal through impactful programming and services.”

Programs that have benefitted from Comcast’s support include:

• Norwescap’s Computer Class Series in Phillipsburg: Participants can learn computer basics, as well as software training such as Microsoft Word and Excel.
• United Way of Greater Union County’s Digital Navigator Program in Rahway: United Way Digital Navigators provide small group and 1:1 skills workshops where individuals can learn about internet safety, how to set-up an email account, how to scan/upload/attach documents and how to use search engines.  
• Second Street Youth Center in Plainfield: Provide workshops that include a self-paced, cloud-based Microsoft skills training available in both English and Spanish.

In December, Comcast also donated 250 laptops to four New Jersey organizations to give to their constituents. Laptops were presented to Trenton CYO, Computers 4 People, United Way of Greater Union County and Second Street Youth Center. Norwescap also received a $10,000 donation to its foodbank.

“Comcast gifting 100 new Dell laptops to our CYO After School Program students opens so many doors for these kids,” said Thomas G. Mladenetz, CYO Executive Director. “The students were overjoyed; it helps them understand that people really care about them and want them to succeed in the future. The CYO is very grateful to Comcast for being a tremendous corporate partner.”

In addition to monetary grants, New Jersey residents also benefit from access to 33 Lift Zones across New Jersey. Lift Zones provide a robust, and free, WiFi solution in supportive neighborhood locations like nonprofits, community centers and parks and recreation facilities. They offer students, adults, senior citizens and veterans more ways to get online and fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy.

Lift Zones also offer access to hundreds of hours of free educational and digital-skills content. Many sites have digital navigators on staff who can help people learn how to use a computer and get online. Nationwide, Comcast has surpassed 1,250 Lift Zones.

Comcast has been working to address the digital divide for more than a decade. In recognition of these efforts, Comcast was honored to receive the Corporate Citizenship (large company) award this past November during the DE&I Trailblazer Awards – an event co-hosted by the African American Chamber of New Jersey and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about Comcast’s commitments, visit our Project UP website.