Comcast Awards $100,000 to the D.C. Public Library Foundation to Support its Digital Navigator Program

Comcast today announced it has awarded a $100,000 grant to the D.C. Public Library Foundation (DCPLF) to support the organization’s Digital Navigator program and expand digital opportunity for residents of the District. Specifically, the grant will help DCPLF hire more digital navigators and fund the launch of a digital skills lab at Anacostia Neighborhood Library, which is part of the D.C. Public Library System.

Since 1986, DCPLF has delivered philanthropic support to D.C. Public Libraries and provides educational and workforce development training for youth in the Washington, D.C. community. The DCPLF Digital Navigator program launched in 2022 and maintains a network of trusted digital guides who provide individualized support to community members so they can access connectivity, devices and digital skills. 

Through its Digital Navigator program, DCPLF’s trusted guides support more than 3,000 community members with digital skills training annually across Washington, D.C.’s public libraries.

“In an era where connectivity and digital skills are essential to people seeking job opportunities, Comcast is an ideal partner to help scale our Digital Navigator program,” said Rob Hartman, Executive Director of the D.C. Public Library Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful for this investment, which will help ensure more residents of the District have the skills to thrive in today’s technology-driven workforce.”

We know from recent research published by the Urban Institute that when a community achieves full digital inclusion, everyone wins. This grant from Comcast is part of Project UP, Comcast’s commitment to advance digital opportunity 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. 

Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital opportunity in the communities it serves. Over the past three years, the company has provided more than $191 million in cash and in-kind contributions to more than 290 non-profits in Washington, D.C., including the D.C. Public Library Foundation. This investment includes digital opportunity programs such as Internet Essentials, Lift Zones and Digital Navigators. Additionally, Comcast has launched more than 40 Lift Zones in Washington, D.C. to provide free, high-speed WiFi and digital skills training at local community centers to promote digital learning.  

Throughout Washington, D.C., Comcast provides Internet, mobile, and entertainment from Xfinity to residents, and connectivity, networking, cybersecurity, mobile, and managed solutions from Comcast Business to businesses.