Community Leaders Announce Plans with Comcast to Promote Digital Inclusion
June 27 2023 - 9:00AM
Business Wire
Comcast Awards $75,000 Grant for Tallahassee
Program to Drive Digital Adoption
In partnership with Comcast, Tallahassee community leaders today
announced the creation of a new program to help bridge the digital
divide, promote digital equity and inclusion, and drive digital
adoption in Tallahassee’s southside neighborhoods, where many
residents are not subscribed to home internet services.
The Rotary Club of Tallahassee Southside, the Greater Apalachee
Ridges Estates Neighborhood Association, Leon County Schools and
Comcast hosted the Inaugural Community Digital Equity Forum today
at Fairview Middle School for about 200 residents, students and
community advocates.
Comcast announced it will award a $75,000 grant to the Rotary
Club and the Neighborhood Association, who will work with the
school district and other community organizations to launch a
Digital Navigators program in Leon County.
Digital Navigators are specially trained advocates who help
their neighbors get online, develop digital skills and connect them
to available resources.
A study by the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) revealed that
Digital Navigators are critical to driving digital adoption in
unconnected communities and reducing socioeconomic inequalities by
helping more people directly access the Internet.
The study surveyed 1,500 individuals across the country who
received support from a Digital Navigator. With the support of
these digital case workers:
- More than 65 percent of survey respondents said they obtained
Internet access or a computer or tablet at home; among Hispanic and
Black Americans, this increased to 72 percent.
- More than 85 percent of all respondents said they used the
Internet more frequently.
- Almost half surveyed obtained better healthcare, and 40 percent
received support with basic needs like food, rent, and
housing.
- 1 in 3 found a new job or earned a higher income.
“The positive impact Digital Navigators have is astounding.
Their success proves that to close the digital divide we need to
connect with people in person to grow their comfort and confidence
with technology and going online,” said Bret Perkins, Comcast
Senior Vice President of External & Government Affairs. “By
funding the creation of a Digital Navigators program with our
dedicated community partners, we are one step closer to closing the
digital divide in Tallahassee and making sure that everyone here
has the access and skills needed to take advantage of the
Internet’s vast resources.”
According to the National Skills Coalition, 92% of jobs require
digital skills yet nearly one-third of U.S. workers do not have
foundational digital skills — disproportionally impacting
low-income communities and people of color.
The Rotary Club, Neighborhood Association, Leon County Schools
and additional supporting partners will launch
#TallahasseeConnects, a nine-month campaign to train and dispatch
Digital Navigators to help Southside residents sign up for free or
low-cost in-home internet services, including the federal
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and Comcast’s Internet
Essentials program.
Digital Navigators will also encourage residents to undergo
digital skills training at the Apalachee Ridge Estates Technology
& Learning Center, which has been a Comcast Lift Zone since May
2021. Lift Zones are WiFi connected spaces at the facilities of
Comcast community partners where residents and students can get
online.
“We are thrilled about expanding our partnership with Comcast
today,” said Christic Henry, President of the Greater Apalachee
Ridge Estates Neighborhood Association. “Not only did we launch our
Tallahassee Connected campaign, but the Inaugural Digital Equity
Forum allowed community stakeholders and residents to gather and
speak openly about the challenges of not being connected and how we
can work together to resolve digital inequities.”
About Comcast
Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and
technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide,
to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach
hundreds of millions of customers, viewers, and guests worldwide.
We deliver world-class broadband, wireless, and video through
Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky; produce, distribute, and stream
leading entertainment, sports, and news through brands including
NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock, and Sky; and bring incredible
theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations
& Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more
information.
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MEDIA: Cindy Arco Comcast NBC/Universal 904-738-3412
Cynthia_Arco@comcast.com
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