Digital CrossOver Program supports digital skills training and helps prepare community members for the workforce of today and tomorrow
June 20, 2023 — The Kishwaukee United Way announced that it received a $10,000 grant from Comcast to support its Digital CrossOver program, which provides digital skills and workforce development training to help equip low-income DeKalb County individuals and families with the skills needed to compete in today’s economy and in the future.
A recent National Skills Coalition (NSC) report found that 90 percent of jobs in Illinois require digital skills. However, previous NSC research found one-third of workers don’t have the foundational digital skills they need to enter and thrive in today’s workforce. Together, these findings point to a significant digital skills divide. This report also found that closing the digital skills divide can increase workers’ income and reduce costs for employers associated with workforce turnover.
“Digital skills bring economic opportunities,” said Dr. Michele Vaughn, Executive Director, and President of the Kishwaukee United Way. “We appreciate Comcast’s partnership and its support of our mission, which is to ‘improve lives by sharing community resources.’”
The grant is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity and help create a future of unlimited possibilities. One of Project UP’s centerpieces is Internet Essentials, a low-cost Internet adoption program for eligible low-income households, which has helped more than 1.6 million people in Illinois connect to the Internet at home since it launched in 2011.
“As Comcast invests to bring broadband services to more communities in Illinois, we are also seeking to enhance access to digital and workforce skills trainings that will help residents participate and succeed in today’s increasingly digital economy,” said Joan Sage, Comcast’s Community Relations Manager in DeKalb County. “Our commitment to communities is not only to offer the best broadband network, but also to support organizations such as the Kishwaukee United Way that are vital to unlocking economic opportunities in DeKalb County.”
Sage also noted that the “Affordable Connectivity Program” (ACP), a federal digital equity initiative, provides eligible low-income households a credit of up to $30 a month toward the cost of Internet and/or mobile phone services, including all of Comcast’s Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile plans, as well as Internet Essentials. For more information, visit www.xfinity.com/ACP.
About Kishwaukee United Way
Founded in 1929, Kishwaukee United Way has been serving DeKalb County for over 90 years. They are a community-based organization committed to providing resources to local organizations serving families in need. Kishwaukee United Way supports programs that increase the quality of life for residents in DeKalb County. Through collaboration, resource mobilization and voluntary giving, Kishwaukee United Way works to provide a better quality of life for the communities served. To learn more about Kishwaukee United Way please visit www.kishwaukeeunitedway.com.
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 Comcast Greater Chicago Region
With around 5,000 local employees, Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region (https://chicago.comcast.com) serves customers in central and northern Illinois, including the Chicago area, northern 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.
