Lift Zones provide free WiFi for students and families to access the Internet and build digital skills
March 14, 2024 – Comcast announced the launch of two new “Lift Zones” in Kankakee, IL. Lift Zones are spaces in community centers that provide free Internet access for students to do homework and adults to build digital skills, search for jobs, and access an array of services. The new Kankakee Lift Zones are located at:
- Kankakee Area YMCA, 1075 N. Kennedy Drive
- YMCA Childcare Center, 1025 N. Washington Avenue
“The new Lift Zones will support our efforts to equip the people of Kankakee County with the crucial tools that they need to succeed in our increasingly digital world,” said Will Welsh, Kankakee Area YMCA Chief Executive Officer. “We appreciate Comcast’s continued partnership and support for our initiatives to advance digital equity in the communities we serve.”
The two Kankakee Lift Zones are among more than 1,250 Lift Zones nationwide, including nearly 90 in this region alone. Lift Zones also complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, a low-cost Internet adoption program for income-constrained households. The program has helped more than 10 million people across the country – 1.9 million in Illinois – connect to the Internet at home since it launched in 2011.
“For more than a decade, we’ve worked with hundreds of community partners across Illinois to help bridge the digital divide,” said Carl Jones, Jr., Comcast’s Regional Vice President of Government and External Affairs. “Together, we’ve made considerable progress, but more work is needed. I’m proud that Comcast continues to make investments and provide solutions to further our commitment to the communities we serve and this critical issue.”
In addition, the Kankakee Area YMCA received a $7,500 grant from Comcast last year to support its Teen Employment Readiness program, which teaches high school and college students digital skills that will help them prepare and compete for internship and employment opportunities.
The Lift Zones and support for the Kankakee Area YMCA part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity and help create a future of unlimited possibilities.
About Kankakee Area YMCA
The YMCA’s mission is to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
The Kankakee Area YMCA is more than just a gym. It’s a movement of thousands of people making positive changes in their lives and their community. The YMCA serves people from various walks of life, strengthening spirit, mind, and body and improving physical well-being in a healthy and friendly environment. The YMCA is Kankakee’s premier provider of family health and wellness.
The Y is the starting point for many youths to learn about becoming and staying active while developing healthy habits they’ll carry with them throughout their lives. These benefits are far greater than just physical health, for they impact all aspects of daily living.
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’s Greater Chicago Region
With more than 4,000 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.
