Training at organization’s “Lift Zone” will help youth build the skills they need to succeed in school, prepare for the workforce
September 9, 2024 – Comcast joined Matteson, IL Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin, State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin and Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller on Saturday, September 7, at Mentoring Youth Through Technology (MYTT)’s annual Tech Day for Youth to announce it has awarded the organization a $25,000 grant to support digital skills training. The training will be housed at the organization’s Lift Zone, which Comcast opened at MYTT’s STEM Center in Matteson in October 2023. Lift Zones offer free, high-capacity WiFi in community centers nationwide, along with access to digital skills training.
Comcast also announced the donation of 10 new laptops to youth participants in MYTT’s after-school STEM training program in Matteson. Since 2013, MYTT has partnered with schools, municipalities and community-based organizations to deliver eight-week-long science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) training programs.
“MYTT’s Tech Day for Youth offers an inclusive and supportive environment that encourages curiosity, creativity, and exploration for our next generation,” said Randle Carter, MYTT Executive Director. “Comcast’s grant and laptop donation allow us to maximize our impact beyond today with expanded digital skills training for students throughout the year.”
“I am grateful to both Comcast and MYTT for their continued support of our community’s youth,” said Matteson Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin. “Now more than ever, we must accelerate digital equity and ensure our next generation has the digital know-how to learn, work and grow in our ever-changing world.”
The MYTT Lift Zone is one of more than 1,250 Lift Zones nationwide, including more than 50 in Cook County. Lift Zones also compliment Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, a low-cost Internet adoption effort for lower-income households. Since it launched in 2011, Internet Essentials has helped more than 10 million people across the country – nearly 2.2 million in Illinois – connect to the Internet at home.
“For more than a decade, Comcast has been committed to bridging the digital divide in South Suburban Cook County and other communities across its footprint nationally,” said Joe Higgins, Senior Director of External Affairs, Comcast Greater Chicago Region. “We are proud to partner with MYTT to support their mission of expanding youth technology access and adoption with the skills training necessary to enjoy and compete in the digital world.”
This grant marks the continuation of Comcast’s 10-year partnership with MYTT. The grant and laptop donation are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity and help create a future of unlimited possibilities. For more information on Comcast’s digital equity efforts in Cook County, please click here.
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 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.
About Mentoring Youth Through Technology
MYTT is designed to inspire, educate and mentor youth with the use of technology. With programming available in Illinois, Mississippi and Tennessee, MYTT offers training in robotics, coding, game development, 3D animation, graphic design, web design, application development, network engineering, computer hardware and much more. MYTT serves thousands and offers Robotic workshops, Robotic Clubs, STEM summer camps, STEM expos, enhanced after-school STEM programs, annual Youth Technology conferences and an After School Program. For more information about MYTT, visit www.myttil.com.
