Instituto del Progreso Latino Receives Grant from Hispanic Federation and Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo to Close Digital Divide Disproportionately Impacting Latinos

New Latino Digital Equity Centers initiative to support digital skills training and help prepare Latinos for the workforce of tomorrow

May 4, 2022 —Instituto del Progreso Latino (Instituto) today announced that it has been selected as one of 20 Latino-led and serving nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive a $25,000 grant from the Hispanic Federation (HF) in partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo to enhance and expand its digital workforce training activities. The award is a part of the Hispanic Federation’s and Comcast’s new Latino Digital Equity Centers initiative, which is a national effort to strengthen institutions serving the Latino community with workforce development and digital training programs.

With the funds, Instituto will receive a first-of-its-kind training program known as the Digital Accelerator, designed for Latino-led nonprofits to strengthen their organizational capacity, programmatic offerings, and reach in the digital workforce development space. In addition, the organizations will offer a Digital Career Center that will provide both online and in-person trainings to community members seeking to increase their digital skills and connect to employment opportunities that leverage those skills.

“Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in today’s increasingly digital economy,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation. “Bridging the digital divide that disproportionately impacts Latinos is key to creating economic opportunity in the Latino community and a more equitable society. We’re excited to partner with Comcast to equip Latinos with the skills they need to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow.”

“We are sincerely grateful to be awarded funding from Hispanic Federation (HF) and appreciate HF’s continued support,” said Karina Ayala-Bermejo, President and CEO of Instituto del Progreso Latino. “Instituto’s efforts with the Latino Digital Equity Center Initiative are directly aligned with our mission of contributing to the fullest development of Latino immigrants and their families through education, training, and employment. We look forward to continuing to bridge the Latino digital divide, alongside Hispanic Federation.”

Over the next decade, 50 percent of tasks across all industries are expected to go digital, eliminating as many as 39 million jobs—and by 2030, at least two-thirds of jobs will require some level of digital skills. Latino workers represent 14% of overall workers but comprise 35% of workers with no digital skills and 20% of those with limited digital skills.

“Through Internet Essentials, Comcast has helped hundreds of thousands of households across the region cross the digital divide, “said John Crowley, Comcast’s Chicago Region Senior Vice President. “I’m proud that Comcast recognized the impact of the digital divide early on, stepped up and now continues to offer solutions that further our commitment to organizations like Instituto del Progreso Latino and the people and the communities they serve through the new Latino Digital Equity Centers Program with the Hispanic Federation.”

Because Latino workers tend to work in less digital-facing fields, they are at higher risk for future under- and unemployment. With the new grant, Instituto aims to train 150 Latinos locally. Nationwide, the initiative will train 6,000 Latinos over the next year.

In selecting grantees for the Latino Digital Equity Centers Program, the Hispanic Federation prioritized Latino-led and serving 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated track record providing workforce development to Latino communities and commitment to enhance or expand a digital skills training program.

This program builds on Comcast’s long-term commitment to advance digital equity through Internet Essentials, the company’s low-cost broadband adoption program for low-income households, and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), the federal program that provides eligible low-income households a credit up to $30 a month toward the cost of Internet service.  Customers who qualify can apply ACP credits towards Internet Essentials and all the company’s Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile plans.

Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo’s partnership with the Hispanic Federation is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.

About Instituto del Progreso Latino

Instituto del Progreso Latino (Instituto) was founded in 1977 in Chicago, IL to contribute to the fullest development of Latino immigrants and their families through education, training, and employment that fosters full participation in the changing U.S. society while preserving cultural identity and dignity.

About Hispanic Federation

The Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, with a mission to empower and advance the Hispanic community and a focus on low-income, marginalized and immigrant Latinos. With offices in New York, Connecticut, Washington, D.C, North Carolina, Florida, Puerto Rico, and additional programs in 37 states, its program focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.

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.

With nearly 6,000 local employees, Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region (https://chicago.comcast.com) serves customers in central and northern Illinois, including the Chicago area, Northwest Indiana and Southwest Michigan. “Like” Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region on Facebook by visiting @Comcast. “Follow” Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region on Twitter at @ComcastIllinois.