Digital Equality for all Utahns
This post has been sponsored by Comcast. All opinions are my own.
Families everywhere are spending more time online during the pandemic. Whether we are working on remote learning or working from home, internet access is essential. And yet, far too many families do not have access to the internet at home. Comcast is working towards digital equality for all Utahns with their new initiative, Project Up.
Families are online in a way that they’ve never been before. In my own family, I work remotely and have 3 of my kids homeschooling, while my others use a combination of in-person and virtual schooling options. None of that would have been possible without reliable internet service.
Unfortunately, not every family in Utah has that opportunity. Only 26.3% of the population of Utah has access to affordable internet service (under $60/month for a standalone [in-home] broadband internet plan), which puts it out of reach for many low-income families.
On October 12, 2021 Comcast announced that it will provide over $100,000 in Internet Essentials accelerator and Comcast Foundation grants to support internet safety and digital literacy programs in Utah. The recipients include Neighborhood House of Utah, Utah Non-Profit Housing Corporation, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Salt Lake.
35 New WiFi Lift Zones Launching in Utah
Comcast is looking to help students and employees stay connected that with their $1 billion commitment to digital equity. Their goal is to help low-income families further their education and succeed in remote work opportunities by providing reliable internet access to people where they need it.
Project Up is working to create 35 new WiFi Lift Zones in safe spaces within Utah. By the end of 2021 there will be hundreds of locations available in Utah to help address the “homework” gap that families are trying to overcome, as well as 1,000+ internet-connected community centers nationwide.
These Lift Zones are an essential tool to help low-income students stay connected and succeed in school.
Federal Pell Grant Recipients
Comcast’s Internet Essentials program is celebrating 10 years and to date, the program has helped over 10 million people access the internet at home.
In an exciting development, the Internet Essentials program will now include all Federal Pell Grant recipients within its service area. This program will help so many students stay connected and succeed in continuing their education.
Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox said, “We are delighted to work with such outstanding corporate partners, such as Comcast, as we connect more Utahns to the Internet. Utah is regularly lauded for its innovative vision in numerous categories, and increasing our digital access helps everyone, including families, students and businesses.”
I’m thrilled to see so many opportunities opening up for low-income families in Utah who understand how the internet is crucial to their family’s success. These programs will do so much to support students and support remote workers.
Learn more about Comcast’s digital equality programs and view the event here.
