National Digital Inclusion Week (October 2-6) is an annual week dedicated to raising awareness of solutions available to help bridge the digital divide. As part of our commitment to digital equity through Project UP, Comcast is proud to support the work of local nonprofit partners across Philadelphia and beyond as they promote digital skills trainings and conversations, provide resources and more all year long.
All week, we encourage you to leverage the below organizations and events to help you connect to resources and learn about the Federal Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible low-income households with a credit of up to $30 per month ($75 per month on Tribal lands) toward your Internet and/or mobile service. Thanks to ACP, eligible Comcast customers can get home Internet through Comcast’s Internet Essentials, which costs $9.95/month, or Internet Essentials Plus, which costs $29.95/month, at no cost once the federal credit is applied.
Digital Navigators
Digital Navigators are individuals affiliated with trusted community organizations who are trained to help people access the Internet, use devices and build digital skills. They are critical to closing the digital divide and reducing socioeconomic inequalities by helping more people get online (read about why Digital Navigators are so important, here). Philadelphia is home to several organizations that employ Digital Navigators. Tap into their services this Digital Inclusion Week or anytime:
- SEAMAAC (Southeast Asian Mutual Assistance Association Coalition) has been supporting and serving immigrants, refugees and other politically, socially and economically marginalized communities in Philadelphia for more than 30 years.
https://seamaac.org/digital-navigation/
Helpline: 267-225-0684
Email: seamaacdigitalnavigator@seamaac.org
Hours: A Digital Navigator will return your call, text or email within two business days.
Live chat translation is available in Spanish. Interpreters are also available for most languages on helpline calls. When leaving a message, callers must include a request to be called back in their preferred language.
- Beyond Literacy, or BeLit, was initially established as a volunteer tutoring program back in 1968. Today, Beyond Literacy provides access and opportunity to Philadelphia adults to help them go from learners to earners.
https://beyondliteracy.org/digitalnavigators/
Helpline: 215-474-1235
Email: mailto:info@beyondliteracy.org
Hours: Live calls answered on 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday
Beyond Literacy Digital Navigators can provide support with finding low-cost computers, Internet access, getting online, digital literacy and more.
- The ExCITe Center at Drexel University was launched in 2015 to inspire transdisciplinary research and discovery to connect technology and communities in Philadelphia.
https://drexel.edu/excite/engagement/digital-navigators/
Helpline: 267-217-3508
Hours: Digital Navigators respond to questions 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday
Email: navigator@excitecenter.org
The Drexel Digital Navigator program is designed to assist the local community around Drexel University with finding low-cost Internet access and basic technical support.
Affordable Connectivity Program Sign-Up Event at SEAMAAC: October 2, 2023, 1-5 p.m.
SEAMAAC will be hosting an ACP sign-up clinic at the Wyss Wellness Center (1902 S. 8th St.) on Monday, October 2. Interested community members can receive help signing up for ACP and applying the program’s $30 per month credit to Comcast’s Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus services.
Beyond Literacy’s Mobile Learning Lab: October 2-4, 2023, 12-4 p.m.
Beyond Literacy will be taking its computer-lab-on-wheels to three locations across Philadelphia providing free, drive-up services including computer basic skills workshops, connection to low-or-no-cost home Internet, giveaways of tech and school supplies. Call 215-474-1235 to learn more.
Visit Beyond Literacy at one of these locations from 12-4 p.m.:
- Monday, October 2: Pinn Memorial Church, 2251 N. 54th St., Philadelphia
- Tuesday, October 3: Northeast Regional Library, 2228 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia
- Wednesday, October 4: Beyond Literacy West Center, 229 N. 63rd St., Philadelphia
Affordable Connectivity Program Sign-Up Event at HopePHL: October 4, 2023, 3-5 p.m.
Comcast and HopePHL are teaming up to host an ACP sign-up event at HopePHL (325 N. 39th St.) on Wednesday, October 4. Interested community members can stop by – no appointment necessary – to receive help signing up for ACP and applying the program’s $30 per month credit to Comcast’s Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus services.
Technology Learning Collaborative’s Annual Conference: October 5, 2023
Join the Technology Learning Collaborative for their annual conference, “Building Connections: Strengthening Our Digital Equity Community,” presented by Comcast and hosted by Temple University on Thursday, October 5.
The conference will feature guest speakers, breakout sessions and more. This year’s theme is a reflection that as we plan and prepare for a historic infusion of federal funding for digital equity work, we must prioritize expanding and strengthening our community – now and for the long term. To learn more about the conference, and to secure tickets, click here.
Xfinity Stores
Eligible residents can visit one of more than 30 Xfinity Store locations in Greater Philadelphia or New Jersey for assistance enrolling in ACP and applying their credit to any tier of Xfinity Internet service.
During Digital Inclusion Week and every week, Comcast and our partners are working hard to bridge the digital divide for good!
