Partnership Trains CCBC Students to Help Drive
Awareness and Adoption of the Affordable Connectivity Program
(ACP)and Build Digital Skills
BALTIMORE, Sept. 7,
2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Comcast and the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) today
announced the launch of an innovative Digital
Navigator program that will utilize trained students to get
more Baltimore-area residents –
including CCBC students – connected to the Internet at home, while
also teaching digital literacy skills and how to use devices. The
program is supported by a $150,000
grant from Comcast that will be used to hire and train nearly a
dozen CCBC students.
The CCBC Digital Navigators will focus on addressing barriers
households face to getting online – namely affordability, access to
devices, and digital skills. Digital Navigators are trained to
educate residents – including the thousands of CCBC students
returning to campus this fall in need of high-speed Internet for
schoolwork and job searches – about resources available to overcome
these obstacles.
In addition, Comcast is offering exclusive Internet deals and
spreading the word about eligibility for the federal
government's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which
provides qualifying individuals with a $30/month benefit toward their Internet
bill. 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.
The ACP benefit could save them up to $360 a year, which means lower expenses and lower
student loans to pay for their educations.
"We thank Comcast for their continued investment in our
community and their commitment to driving innovative approaches to
bridging the digital divide," said Dr. Sandra L. Kurtinitis, President of the
Community College of Baltimore County
(CCBC). "A major impact of this partnership will be assuring that
CCBC students are connected at home as well as on campus. Internet
affordability should not be a barrier to academic and career-long
success."
The Digital Navigator model is a highly effective and
research-driven approach that engages trusted community
organizations to address the root causes of the digital divide –
including access to the Internet, technology, and digital skills –
the essential foundations for broadband adoption. A recent
study from the Boston Consulting Group surveyed more than 1,500
people nationwide who used Digital Navigator services and revealed
the critical role Digital Navigators play in closing the digital
divide and reducing socioeconomic inequalities. Key takeaways
include:
- More than 65% of survey respondents said they obtained Internet
access or a computer or tablet at home; among Hispanic and Black
Americans, this increased to 72%.
- More than 85% of all respondents said they used the Internet
more frequently.
- Almost half surveyed obtained better healthcare, and 40%
received support with basic needs like food, rent, and
housing.
- 1 in 3 found a new job or earned a higher income.
"Closing the digital divide in Baltimore County remains a top priority for my
administration, and we are committed to ensuring all of our
residents have access to the tools they need to be successful and
stay connected," said Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski. "The Digital Navigator Program
will build on our strong partnerships with CCBC and Comcast and
help students and community members get connected, learn about new
technology, and share digital literacy skills."
Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital equity in the
communities it serves. The company's community partnerships in
Maryland over the past three years
have totaled $28.8 million in cash
and in-kind contributions to more than 187 local non-profits. This
investment includes the installation of more than 40 Lift
Zones in Maryland, which
provide free WiFi service to local community centers to expand
access to digital skills learning opportunities.
"Comcast is proud to partner with CCBC to empower members of its
student body to get more Baltimoreans connected to the Internet,"
said Michael Parker, Senior Vice
President for Comcast's Beltway Region. "Deep partnerships are
needed to ensure we are reaching and connecting those in need, and
that's why collaborating with CCBC is so critical as we work to
accelerate digital access and adoption."
The CCBC Digital Navigator program – which is part of Project
UP, Comcast's $1 billion commitment
to advance digital equity – builds on Comcast's continued
partnership with Baltimore County
to bridge the digital divide. Earlier this year, Comcast and
Baltimore County announced the
latest phase of a rural broadband expansion which will bring
high-speed Internet to 99% of previously unserved residences in
Northern Baltimore County.
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.
About the Community College of Baltimore
County (www.ccbcmd.edu)
Since 1957, CCBC has
opened the doors to accessible, affordable, high-quality education
empowering generations of area residents to transform their lives
and the lives of others. Each year, nearly 50,000 students enroll
at the college's main campuses, extension centers and online to
make their starts, earn degrees, launch and build careers. CCBC
offers the region's most expansive selection of degree, certificate
and workplace certification programs that prepare students for
transfer, job entry and career advancement in such industries as
business, education, health care, information technology,
cybersecurity, construction, and transportation. Designated as the
"Best Community College" among the Maryland Daily Record's 2022
Reader Rankings, CCBC is also nationally recognized as a leader in
innovative learning strategies and among the nation's top associate
degree producers. CCBC. The incredible value of
education.
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SOURCE Comcast