Comcast Opens Flagship Lift Zone at the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation in Chicago to Advance Digital Skills and Job Training Opportunities

$500,000 Investment Provides Free WiFi, Advanced Technology and Digital Skills Programming at New Workforce Development Hub in City’s Austin Neighborhood

Comcast today opened a Flagship Lift Zone at the Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation that will advance digital skills and job training opportunities in Chicago. Located in the city’s Austin neighborhood, the Flagship Lift Zone is powered by Comcast Business and housed at the recently opened 76,000-square-foot hub for workforce training and economic development.

Comcast’s $500,000 investment in the Aspire Center provides free high-speed WiFi and state-of-the-art technology onsite, including computers, digital cameras, a flexible classroom space, and meeting pods for virtual or in-person collaboration, training, or job interviews.

“Comcast’s Flagship Lift Zone at the Aspire Center is a powerful investment in the future of the Austin neighborhood and the city of Chicago,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson. “This space will serve as a vital hub where students and adults alike can build digital skills, pursue education, and connect to meaningful employment opportunities. I appreciate Comcast’s continued commitment to advancing digital opportunity and empowering our communities with the tools they need to succeed in today’s digital economy.”

Partnering to Advance Workforce Development

Comcast’s investment includes a $100,000 donation to Chicago-based nonprofit scaleLIT to bring digital skills programming and its Career Pathways Navigators training to the Aspire Center.  This initiative will help job seekers access employment opportunities and workforce support services directly onsite.

“Comcast’s investment in the Flagship Lift Zone and its partnership with scaleLIT represent a meaningful step forward in advancing workforce development and digital opportunity on Chicago’s West Side,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “This initiative aligns with Cook County’s commitment to inclusive economic growth by equipping residents with the connectivity and skills needed to participate and prosper in our modern economy. I commend Comcast for its leadership and dedication to bridging the digital divide in our communities.”

“scaleLIT is honored to partner with Comcast in bringing our Career Pathways Navigators program to the Aspire Center’s Flagship Lift Zone,” said Becky Raymond, Executive Director of scaleLIT. “By providing access to technology and tailored digital workforce training, we are empowering individuals to overcome barriers and unlock pathways to meaningful employment. We are proud to collaborate with Comcast and the Aspire Center on this powerful initiative for Austin and its neighboring communities.”

Committing to Expand Digital Opportunity in Chicago

Comcast’s scaleLIT donation follows more than $35 million in cash and in-kind contributions that the company has made to Chicago nonprofit organizations over the last three years. Comcast has committed $50 million to expand Lift Zones across the country to ensure more people in more communities have access to the Internet and the digital tools needed to thrive.

“Our Flagship Lift Zone investment and partnership with scaleLit reflect Comcast’s deep commitment to bridging the digital divide in Chicago,” said Chris Smith, Comcast’s Greater Chicago Region Senior Vice President. “We’re honored to serve all 77 neighborhoods and to partner with local leaders and community organizations across the city to ensure Chicagoans have access to the connectivity, tools and resources needed to succeed today and in the future.”

The Aspire Center marks Comcast’s first Flagship Lift Zone location in Illinois and is an extension of Comcast’s award-winning Lift Zone program, which launched in 2020 and now includes more than 40 locations across Chicago and over 1,250 nationwide.  Comcast has committed $50 million to expand Lift Zones across the country to ensure more people in more communities have access to the Internet and the digital tools needed to thrive.

Lift Zones are a cornerstone of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to advance digital opportunity and create a future of unlimited possibilities.