Lift Zone Lookback: Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria

In 2020, Comcast launched Lift Zones, an extension of the company’s Project UP $1 billion commitment to providing digital opportunity, to help community centers navigate online learning with Internet access and digital resources. Lift Zones offer free, high-capacity WiFi in community centers nationwide, along with access to digital skills training. Comcast has teamed up with nonprofit partners and city leaders to launch more than 1,250 Lift Zones nationwide, including more than 100 in this region alone.

In Illinois, one such community partner is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria. Boys & Girls Clubs aim to help young people become responsible citizens, ensure that everyone has the opportunity to share in the American Dream, and provide young people with the resources needed to succeed. The addition of two Comcast Lift Zones has supported the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria in achieving these goals. The Lift Zones are in two Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria locations:

• Caho/Becker Unit, 2703 W Grinnell St., Peoria, IL 61602;
• East Bluff Community Center, 512 E Kansas St., Peoria, IL 61603

“Kids need assistance now more than ever,” said Christian Lee, Chief Executive Officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria. “The Lift Zones have been instrumental in getting kids back on track after the pandemic.”

Comcast Business provides free WiFi access for this Lift Zone. In addition, Comcast donated 20 computers for computer labs in each of the two locations. This allows students to do their schoolwork online without worrying about dropped connections, missed deadlines, or buffering online teaching.

“Internet access combined with mentorship allows students to succeed both academically and personally,” said Art Svymbersky, Comcast’s Manager of Government and Regulatory Affairs. “We’re proud to partner with partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria to help students connect to the Internet and build digital skills to help them thrive in our increasingly digital world.”

When schools were closed during the Covid-19 pandemic, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria provided them a safe space to safely do their work and connect with others.

“We can’t begin to measure the impact that Comcast’s Lift Zones have provided,” Lee said.  “It’s the bridge that closes the gap for our community.”

Learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria at https://bgcpeoria.org/ .

For more information about Comcast’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, including finding your nearest Lift Zone, please visit: https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/digital-equity/lift-zones