Making connections. Expanding digital literacy.
One Economy was created to help low-income communities understand the benefits of using broadband, and making it part of their lives (what’s known as “broadband adoption”). The Comcast Digital Connectors program, our partnership with One Economy, takes that mission a step further. We’ll make it possible for hundreds of young adults ages 14 to 21 to develop their skills in using computers, applications and the Internet, and then take what they’ve learned out into their communities to make a difference.
The Digital Connectors train two to three times per week at their local school, community center or affordable housing development to hone their technical skills. The curriculum also provides them with life skills that inspire educational advancement and workforce preparation. Each Connectors team has the opportunity to see where their hard work can lead, as they interact with Comcast employees from around the country who serve as role models by lending their leadership and expertise to local programs.
Digital Connectors commit to provide several hours a month volunteering at community-based organizations, senior centers, churches, local schools, and even reaching out to their own families and friends, to make everyone aware of how broadband can change their lives and helping them to get connected.
Thoughts from Rey Ramsey, One Economy Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors"The Comcast Digital Connectors program provides young people with the tools they need to compete in the 21st century. At the same time, the community service they provide ensures that digital literacy is extended throughout their communities and beyond.”  |
Just the Beginning
The first Comcast Digital Connectors teams launched in spring 2009. By the end of the 2011-12 school year, more than 2,000 youth will have graduated from the program and provided over 100,000 hours of community service by sharing their technology skills with residents of low-income communities. Current sites include Mountaineer Boys and Girls Club (Morgantown, Va.); Mi Casa for Women (Denver, Colo.),YMCA of Greater Miami (Miami, Fla.), APM and Peoples Emergency Center and Project Home (Philadelphia, Pa.), Urban League at Evergreen State College (Tacoma, Wash.) and Latin American Youth Center (Washington D.C.).
Together, Comcast and One Economy are bringing the promise of broadband to our country’s youth and their communities.