Comcast is deeply committed to creating and supporting digital equity within the communities we serve – including those across Greater Philadelphia and New Jersey – during Digital Inclusion Week (October 7-12) and all year long.
We work to bridge the digital divide through Project UP, which includes programs and community partnerships that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers and creators.
This initiative includes programs like Internet Essentials, Lift Zones and Digital Navigators. Since its inception in 2011, Comcast’s Internet Essentials has connected a cumulative total of more than 840,000 low-income Greater Philadelphia residents to broadband service at home. Additionally, we have launched more than 1,250 Lift Zones in community centers nationwide, with more than 140 locations across Greater Philadelphia, New Jersey and northern Delaware alone, to provide students and families with free, high-speed WiFi and digital skills training. And, we work to expand the network of Digital Navigators – individuals who are trained to help get more people connected – across the country to help close the digital divide.
Philadelphia, and the surrounding suburbs, are home to several organizations that employ Digital Navigators. Tap into their services this Digital Inclusion Week or anytime:
- SEAMAAC
- Beyond Literacy
- The ExCITe Center at Drexel University
- ACLAMO
- Chester Education Foundation
- Esperanza
- Literacy Council of Norristown
- Media Fellowship House
Partnering For a More Equitable Future
In addition to these programs, we support partners across our region in their efforts to reach individuals and communities with the information they need to excel in our increasingly digital world. All week, we encourage you to leverage the below organizations and events to help you connect to local resources:
Beyond Literacy’s Mobile Learning Lab: October 8 – 11
Beyond Literacy will be taking its computer-lab-on-wheels to multiple 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.
- Monday, October 7, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Why Not Prosper, 717 E Chelton Ave.
- Tuesday, October 8, 12 – 4 p.m.: South Philly Older Adult Center, 1430 E. Passyunk Ave.
- Wednesday, October 9, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.: Pinn Memorial Church, 2251 N. 54th St.
- Thursday, October 10, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.: Beyond Literacy West Campus, 229 N. 63rd St.
- Friday, October 11, 10 a.m.: Beyond Literacy x Ernst & Young Laptop Distribution Event, 211N. 13th St.
Hope PHL & The Center for Digital Inclusion & Technology
Hope PHL & The Center for Digital Inclusion & Technology host Computer Basics Classes on Mondays and Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. In person, at 3939 Warren Street (2nd floor). For Zoom attendance options, email di@HopePHL.com. Upcoming classes include:
- Monday, October 7: Google Docs II
- Wednesday, October 9: Review/ Student Projects
More information, including a full class schedule through the end of the year, can be found on the Center for Digital Inclusion & Technology website.
Technology Learning Collaborative’s Annual Conference: October 10, 2024
Join the Technology Learning Collaborative for their annual conference, “Creating a Sustainable Digital Equity Movement,” presented by Comcast NBCUniversal and hosted by Temple University on October 10. Click here for tickets and details.
New Jersey
- NorthStar Digital Literacy Program via select New Jersey State libraries
- Goodwill of Southern New Jersey and Philadelphia Helms Academy
- NORWESCAP Career and Life Transitions Center
- WomenRising
- Computers 4 People
Expanding Broadband to Underserved Communities
We also continue to expand our fast, reliable and secure Xfinity network to connect more homes and businesses to the power of the Internet. For instance, in Lehigh, Berks and Chester counties in Pennsylvania and Middlesex and Cumberland counties in New Jersey – with many more projects underway. In any area that Xfinity service is available, eligible customers have access to Internet Essentials and Internet Essentials Plus.
During Digital Inclusion Week and every week, Comcast and our partners are working hard to bridge the digital divide for good!
