New training at club’s WiFi-connected “Lift Zone” will help kids build the skills they need to succeed in school, prepare for the workforce
August 24, 2022 – Comcast announced today that it awarded $22,750 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois (BGCCIL) to support digital skills training and STEM programs for club members. The new programs will be housed in the club’s Lift Zone, a WiFi-enabled safe space where club members can access the Internet, do schoolwork and build digital skills. Comcast opened the Lift Zone at BGCCIL’s Central Unit club, located at 300 S. 15th St., in Springfield, in June 2021.
“Comcast’s continued partnership and support will help us deliver on our mission, which is to ‘inspire and enable all young people, especially those that need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, responsible and caring citizens,’” said Tiffany Mathis, BGCCIL CEO & Executive Director.
The BGCCIL Lift Zone is one of more than 1,000 Lift Zones throughout the country, nearly 80 in this region alone. The Lift Zones complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, a low-cost Internet adoption program for low-income families, which has helped more than 1.6 million people in Illinois connect to the Internet at home since it was launched in 2011.
“Internet Essentials has helped hundreds of thousands of Illinois households get connected to the Internet,” said John Crowley, Comcast’s Regional Senior Vice President. “I’m proud that Comcast recognized the impact of the digital divide early on, stepped up and continue to work toward digital equity in the communities we serve.”
Crowley also noted a federal government digital equity initiative, called the “Affordable Connectivity Program” (ACP), which provides eligible low-income households a credit up to $30 a month toward the cost of Internet and/or mobile services, including all of Comcast’s Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile plans. The ACP would cover the cost of Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus, making it free for eligible families. For more information, visit www.xfinity.com/acp.
Project UP and Comcast’s $1 Billion Commitment to Advance 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 one of Comcast’s top priorities. 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, visit http://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.
About Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois
Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Illinois is positioned to serve more than 2,500 youth at our Central Unit and 21 elementary and middle schools covering two counties (Sangamon & Morgan).
BGCCIL provides character building activities and academic programs designed to deliver measurable outcomes and a safe environment with caring adults. For additional information visit http://bgccil.org.
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 over 56 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.
