Company to donate 100 laptops to Family Focus Aurora
December 5, 2023 –Comcast joined Aurora Public Library District officials today to announce a $30,000 donation to the Aurora Public Library District Foundation to fund a digital navigator program at Santori Library, located at 101 S. River St. in Aurora. Digital navigators are professionals who link residents to resources that can help them build the digital skills needed to succeed in school, participate in the workforce and connect to programs that can help them access and pay for broadband Internet service at home, including:
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal program which can provide up to $30 per month toward the cost of eligible households’ Internet and mobile bills;
- Internet Essentials, a Comcast program that provides low-cost Internet service at home to eligible low-income households with students of all ages, seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and public housing residents. Internet Essentials has helped 1.9 million Illinois residents connect to the Internet at home since it launched in 2011. The ACP can cover the full cost of Internet Essentials, making it free for eligible households.
“Our lives are becoming increasingly digital, and it is critical that our residents have the resources and skills necessary to succeed in our digital economy,” said Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin. “I appreciate Comcast’s continued investment in Aurora and its long-standing efforts to bridging the digital divide.”
“Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital equity in the communities we serve. For more than a decade, we’ve worked with hundreds of partners across Illinois – from libraries, school districts and elected officials to community-based organizations – to help bridge the digital divide,” said Carl Jones, Jr., Comcast’s Regional Vice President of External and Government Affairs. “Together, we’ve made considerable progress, but there is more work to do. I’m proud that Comcast continues to make investments and provide solutions to further our commitment to this critical issue.”
“Our libraries connect residents to services and programs designed to foster lifelong learning,” said Michaela Haberkern, Aurora Public Library District’s Executive Director. “Comcast’s support will help us equip our customers with the resources and training that will put them on a path to success in our digital world.”
Comcast also to donate 100 laptops to Family Focus Aurora
Comcast also announced plans to donate 100 laptops to Family Focus Aurora to provide to people it serves.
“We’re grateful for Comcast’s continued partnership and support to help us deliver on our mission, which is to strengthen families, so they build social capital and achieve upward economic mobility,” said Christina Campos, Family Focus Aurora’s Assistant Center Director. “Laptops are important tools to help them participate and succeed in today’s digital age.”
The grant funding and laptop donations announced today are part of Project UP, Comcast’s 10-year, $1 billion commitment to help make digital equity a reality in communities the company serves in Illinois and elsewhere across its footprint. To that end, Comcast has made more than $91 million in cash and in-kind donations to community-based organizations in Illinois over the last three years, mostly to initiatives designed to foster digital equity. In addition, Comcast partnered with community-based organizations starting in 2020 to create Lift Zones, safe places where kids and adults can access free high-speed WiFi and learn digital skills. Today, there are Lift Zones in more than 90 community centers across the region, including at Quad County Urban League in Aurora, and more than 1,250 nationwide.
For more information about Internet Essentials and ACP and its eligibility requirements, visit www.xfinity.com/free, call 1-855-8INTERNET (1-855-846-8376) or visit a local Xfinity Store. Click here for information about Comcast’s local digital equity efforts and presence in Aurora.
About Aurora Public Library District
The Aurora Public Library District (APLD) is proud to be a place where Aurora comes together to discover, create, connect, and succeed! APLD promotes lifelong learning by providing opportunities for self-directed personal growth and development. We are a resource for everyone from early literacy through continued education, a place to relax and connect with others via our programs, feed your imagination with our materials, express creativity with our Makerspace, and more. With three branches across Aurora and a new Bookmobile, the library provides access to the informational needs of our residents by being fine FREE while also functioning as a technology center and a community cultural hub through our programs, collections, and other resources. Stop by any of the 4 locations to start opening a world of possibilities!
About Family Focus
Family Focus invests in strengthening families and their children in Chicago and NE Illinois, so they build social capital and achieve upward economic mobility through high-quality innovative programs and services, grounded in anti-racism and social justice.
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 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.
