Comcast has awarded $20,000 and 200 laptops to the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington to help its student members and their families with digital literacy and skills training. This announcement 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.
“These resources are a game-changer that will help our grades K-12 student members develop the skills needed to thrive in today’s digital world,” said Julia Trent, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Huntington. “We have a shared mission with Comcast to bridge the digital divide in Huntington – and this investment will take our efforts to the next level.”
The Club will also use part of the grant to help Huntington-area residents 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 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.
“Addressing the root causes of the digital divide – including awareness of affordable Internet options and digital skills development – is at the heart of our mission to advance digital equity in the communities we serve,” said Misty Allen, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Comcast’s Beltway Region. “We’re excited to deepen our partnership in Huntington to keep families connected and accelerate job opportunities.”
Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital equity and broadband adoption throughout West Virginia. The company has invested $221 million in the state in the last three years including close to $90 million in technology and infrastructure investments such as network upgrades, and $4.5 million in cash and in-kind contributions to 40 local non-profits. This investment includes the installation of 10 Lift Zones across the state – including two in Huntington – which provide free, high-speed WiFi service to local community centers to promote digital learning.
For additional information on Project UP and Comcast’s digital equity initiatives, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.
