SPRINGFIELD — Three nonprofit organizations were awarded a total of $70,000 from Comcast to improve internet accessibility and technology skills training among Springfield residents. The grant is part of the company’s Project UP initiative, a $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships.
“We understand the critical role that the internet plays in contributing to a future of unlimited possibilities for everyone across Western Massachusetts,” Carolyne Hannan, senior vice president of Comcast’s New England Region said in a statement. “In today’s world, digital literacy is essential to success, which is why we continue to support programs that empower individuals to explore and understand digital media platforms and technical capabilities to set them up for their professional futures.”
Tech Goes Home, a Boston-based nonprofit that has begun to expand its programs into Springfield and Holyoke, received $30,000 to continue its work.
Chief External Affairs and Advocacy Officer Marvin Venay said, “Our main goal is to end the digital divide.” According to Venay, 38% of homes in Springfield and 36% of homes in Holyoke do not have in-home access to desktops or laptops. “If we can help this population overcome barriers, it will reduce the need for systems. We’re looking to address the root causes of digital inequity,” he said.
Tech Goes Home works with local partners to run digital skills training courses. After the 15-hour training is complete, participants receive a personal device and up to one year of internet access.
“This grant is helping us to build out partnerships. Resources like Comcast allow us to train staff, to develop the curriculum” and “teach them how to run this course.”
The Urban League of Springfield was awarded $20,000 to underwrite the cost of instructors in its digital learning lab. President and CEO Yvette Frisby explained that the digital learning lab is where young people learn skills such as coding, how to research and write resumes.
With younger people, Frisby said, “They may know how to use [technology], but they need to know how to use it responsibly.”
Older adults use the digital learning lab to improve their digital knowledge and learn how to avoid being taken advantage of.
Comcast has been awarding grants to the Urban League of Springfield for at least a decade, Frisby said. “They understand the needs of this community and help address them. This kind of funding is so important to nonprofits.”
Like the Urban League of Springfield, the Boys & Girls Club of Springfield also received $20,000. Executive Director Vincent Borello explained that the grant will support the organization’s esports programming. “Not everyone’s into sports,” he said. “We get them engaged. Remember, this is the age of technology. The want to be a part of and understand positive games that give them social skills.” He said esports also allows them to develop STEM skills.
“This will significantly enhance our efforts,” Borello said. Comcast partners with organizations that serve the community. “The more opportunities we give these kids for finishing high school, going to college — this is an investment, a true investment. They’re investing in the leaders of the future, and how you do that is by investing in [children] today.”
For more information on Comcast’s digital equity initiatives, visit corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.
