Comcast Helping CBOs And Students Get Connected
Published: November 12, 2014
Internet access at home and in the community is crucial for Chicago students. Comcast has been helping families gain access to the Internet at home and elsewhere in their communities via:
- Internet Essentials: Through Internet Essentials, Comcast provides eligible low-income families broadband Internet service at home for $9.95 per month plus taxes, along with the option to purchase a computer for $150 and digital literacy training online, in print and in person. Recently, Comcast announced that more than 22,000 Chicago families have enrolled in the program since its inception in 2011 – more than any other city in the nation. This is an increase of about 8,000 families from 2013.
- Internet Essentials Learning Zones: Comcast has established Internet Essentials Learning Zones in Chicago spanning Bronzeville, East and West Rogers Park, Edgewater, Englewood and West Englewood, North Lawndale and Uptown. Through the zones, Comcast provides free Internet access via WiFi at a host of CBOs, libraries and other neighborhood locations in an effort to help students in after-school and other programs with their schoolwork.
“Internet Essentials and the Learning Zones have helped thousands of Chicago children with their school work and this challenge will now help them move forward in their education and lives,” said Matthew Summy, Comcast Vice President of External and Governmental Affairs.
In addition to its $100,000 to support for the “Get Schooled, Get Connected, Challenge,” Comcast and the Comcast Foundation already have contributed $200,000 to area CBOs to support computer labs, Wi-Fi and other initiatives designed to increase connectivity and close the digital divide. Recipients of this year’s funding include the Chicago Urban League, LISC Chicago, Centro Romero, Metropolitan Family Services, Instituto del Progresso Latino and Lighthouse Youth Center.
Posted in Community Highlights, Education Initiatives