Comcast and BakerRipley are partnering to equip several community centers in the nonprofit’s footprint with free WiFi enabled “Lift Zones.” The initiative will provide students who do not have access to the Internet at home with safe spaces to fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy.
The three-year Comcast-BakerRipley partnership establishes free WiFi hotspots at the nonprofit’s East Aldine, Pasadena, and Harbach community centers providing nearby residents with reliable Internet service.
“The one key to upward mobility is true accessibility. Comcast Lift Zones, now alongside BakerRipley community resources, create spaces in the heart of these communities for our young neighbors to thrive while navigating their education and future opportunities,” said David Haines, BakerRipley Chief Strategy and Innovation Officer. “When people have the tools to explore and pursue pathways to possibilities, they are able to reimagine better futures for themselves and their families. BakerRipley is proud of this partnership as it fits perfectly into our plan to crush the inequities our neighbors battle while working to build better lives and communities.”
“We are proud to partner with BakerRipley to provide students with safe, fast and reliable connectivity to keep up with school and prepare them for a bright future,” said Ralph Martinez, regional senior vice president, Comcast Houston. “The COVID-19 crisis continues to put many low-income students at risk of being left behind, accelerating the need for comprehensive digital equity and Internet adoption programs to support them. We hope these Lift Zones will help those students who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to connect to effective distance learning at home.”
In addition to Comcast’s multiyear commitment to launch more than 1,000 WiFi-connected Lift Zones in community centers nationwide, the company also recently announced a $1 billion investment over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income Americans the tools and resources they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.