Detroit Regional Chamber > Press Releases > Comcast Renews Commitment to Bridge Digital Adoption Gap in Detroit with $175,000 in Investments

Comcast Renews Commitment to Bridge Digital Adoption Gap in Detroit with $175,000 in Investments

October 4, 2021

Contributions advance digital equity during Connect 313’s Detroit Digital Inclusion Week 2021

DETROIT—OCTOBER 4, 2021 – Comcast today announced it will award $25,000 to nonprofit Brilliant Detroit and a total of 500 laptop computers, valued at $150,000, in partnership with Detroit Housing Commission and Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan to help advance digital equity for even more Detroit students and families. The computer donations and grants are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to reach 50 million people over the next 10 years with the tools, resources, and skills needed to succeed in a digital world.

The announcement celebrates Connect 313’s Detroit Digital Inclusion Week 2021, which is an initiative to raise awareness of solutions addressing home internet adoption, personal devices, technology, innovation and support platforms for Detroit citizens and small business.

“I would like to recognize Comcast for their continuing efforts to advance digital equity in Detroit,” said Joshua Edmonds, City of Detroit director of Digital Inclusion. “Whether it’s grants to promote the value of internet adoption, electronic devices, the company’s Internet Essentials program or their investment in establishing numerous Comcast Lift Zones in our city’s community centers, we appreciate their commitment to addressing the many barriers to getting online that Detroit families face.”

The $25,000 given to Brilliant Detroit will help support digital literacy programming, education and awareness of the Federal Government’s Emergency Broadband Benefit and other digital inclusion efforts. Brilliant Detroit operates homes in high-need Detroit neighborhoods. The homes offer proven programming to families and children, so they have what they need to be school-ready, healthy and stable. This includes a place to get connected to the internet.

Comcast in partnership with the Detroit Housing Commission and Boys and Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan will distribute the 500 laptops and information promoting digital literacy to low-income affordable housing residents. Research shows low-income students and their families face numerous broadband adoption challenges, including housing insecurity, literacy challenges, language barriers and broadband relevancy issues. Comcast’s digital equity efforts are designed to address all these challenges.

“Bridging the digital divide and raising awareness of digital adoption have been critical priorities for Comcast since 2011, and these are important now more than ever,” said Craig D’Agostini, vice president of External Affairs for Comcast in Michigan. “Working side by side with our public, private and nonprofit partners is key to leveling the digital playing field in Detroit.”

For the past 10 years, Comcast’s Internet Essentials program has connected more people to the internet and to the technology they need to participate and excel in an increasingly digital world. The program offers low-income families high-speed broadband Internet service for $9.95 per month, the option to purchase a heavily subsidized, low-cost Internet-ready computer and multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online and in person.

The Emergency Broadband Benefit is also available to new and existing Internet customers who qualify across all tiers of service, including Internet Essentials. Families can receive up to a $50/month credit on their Internet bill from Comcast. Click here for more information.

Additionally, Comcast has launched 23 Lift Zones in the City of Detroit in the past year to assist families who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to connect to the Internet in their home. Lift Zones provide free robust WiFi hotspots in safe spaces designed to help students and families get online, participate in distance learning, do homework, search for jobs, access healthcare information and public assistance.

Project UP & Comcast’s $1 Billion Commitment to Advancing Digital Equity: 
For over a decade, connecting more people to the Internet and the technology they need to participate and excel in an increasingly digital world has been a core focus for the company. Looking toward the next ten years, Comcast is building on that foundation and expanding its impact through Project UP, a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. Backed by a $1 billion commitment to reach 50 million people, Project UP encompasses the programs and community partnerships across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky that connect people to the Internet, advance economic mobility and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators. For more information on Project UP and the latest news on efforts to address digital inequities, including the recent expansion of the Comcast RISE Investment Fund to provide millions in grants to small business owners of color and investment in research to increase diversity in the technology and digital fields, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.

About Internet Essentials
Internet Essentials is Comcast’s signature digital equity initiative and the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. In 10 years, it has helped connect 10 million low-income Americans to broadband Internet at home, most for the very first time. It has a comprehensive design that addresses each of the three major barriers to broadband adoption. This includes multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in person; the option to purchase a heavily subsidized, low-cost Internet-ready computer; and low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month, plus tax. The program is structured as a partnership between Comcast and tens of thousands of school districts, libraries, elected officials, and nonprofit community partners. For more information about Internet Essentials and Comcast’s commitment to education and digital equity, please visit https://corporate.comcast.com/education. To apply, visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.

About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.