Comcast has announced it has awarded 100 laptops to the City of Alexandria’s Summer Youth Employment Program to help students with broadband adoption and the digital skills needed to compete in today’s job market. The program’s graduates were surprised with the laptops at a ceremony at Alexandria City High School on August 4, 2023. This donation is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through 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.
“As a lifelong advocate for families and communities, I know how important digital skills, devices and Internet connectivity are to preparing our young people to thrive in their lives and their careers,” said Alexandria Councilwoman Alyia Gaskins. “I want to thank Comcast for its commitment to digital equity and generous laptop donation that will help build pathways to economic mobility for Alexandria’s youth.”
Comcast is also helping to drive awareness and adoption of 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 their Internet and/or mobile service. Thanks to ACP, eligible Comcast customers can get home Internet either through Comcast’s Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus at no cost once the Federal credit is applied. Internet Essentials customers can also add a line of unlimited 5G cellular data ($45) through Xfinity Mobile for as little as $24.95/month, after the ACP benefit is applied.
“Supporting the next generation of leaders and ensuring students have the skills to succeed in a digital world is a core piece of our company’s mission,” said Michael Parker, Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Beltway Region. “We are proud to deepen our partnership with the City of Alexandria’s Workforce Development Center to help get more students online and prepare them to compete in today’s increasingly digital job market.”
Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital equity in the communities it serves, including through initiatives and investments in Alexandria. Over the last three years, the company’s community partnerships in Virginia have totaled $43.6 million in cash and in-kind contributions to more than 120 local non-profits. This investment includes the installation of 14 Lift Zones across Virginia that provide free, high-speed WiFi service to local community centers, such as the Dunbar Alexandria-Olympic Boys & Girls Club.
For additional information on Project UP and Comcast’s digital equity initiatives, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.
