(NewsDirect)
Comcast and the Mt. Hood Cable RegulatoryCommission today announced a new $2 million investment in Free Geek , a leading localnon-profit advancing economic equity through technology training andcareer building. This investment will help the most disconnectedcommunities in Multnomah County get online and receive the resources,devices and technology education needed to advance digital skills foreducation and work, enhance economic mobility, and promote digitalequity.
“We seefirsthand that the digital divide continues to be a persistentchallenge for communities in Multnomah County. East Portland, Gresham,Fairview, Wood Village, and Troutdale are home to some of our mostdisconnected communities. More than 3,000 residents do not own acomputer and many others don’t know how to use it effectively,”said Juan Muro, Executive Director, Free Geek. “This investment willensure that these families have the same benefits as others and theirchildren have access to online resources to be successful inschool.”
FreeGeek will use the investment to help bridge the digital divide byworking to connect more people to the internet and getting devicesinto the hands of people who need them. In addition, Free Geek willserve as consultants to enable community partners to expand their owndigital equity programs in alignment with the region's DigitalEquity Action Plan , which is focused on helping the mostvulnerable communities in Portland and Multnomah County.
"All Oregoniansshould be able to access the internet in order to connect witheducational, health care, and economic opportunities," GovernorTina Kotek said. “Together, with public and private partners, we areworking towards a common purpose of empowering individuals to getonline, enhance digital skills, and advance economicmobility.”
FreeGeek will also bring additional capacity to its network of communitypartners as they work to remove barriers to broadband adoption. Thisincludes addressing the lack of awareness about how to participate inthe federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP),which provides eligible low-income households with a credit of up to$30 per month toward their internet and/or mobile service – $75 permonth on tribal lands, as well as the wider availability of freedigital skills programs.
“The MHCRC has a long history of advocating for digitalequity through access to and use of telecommunications technologythrough public-private partnerships. We are excited to be able topartner with Comcast and Free Geek to bring this resource to thecommunity at a time when funding and support for local efforts inurban communities is limited,” said Julia DeGraw, Chair,MHCRC.
Today’sannouncement is the latest example of investment in Oregon underComcast’s Project UP program, a comprehensive initiative to advancedigital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.Earlier this year, the company invested $300,000to advance digital equity and economic opportunity in the greaterPortland area. At that time, Comcast and Free Geek joined together tolaunch a Lift Zone, which provides free WiFi at the new Center forTechnology Education & Digital Equity, and scale a DigitalNavigators program that will help connect more people in the areato the internet and teach them how to use it.
“While high-speedinternet is widely available in Multnomah County, the unfortunatereality is that not everyone has the resources and digital skills theyneed to benefit from it,” said Comcast Pacific Northwest RegionSenior Vice President Rodrigo Lopez. “By continuing our partnershipwith Free Geek, we are creating a more prepared and inclusiveworkforce and ensuring that communities in the Greater Portland areaare not left behind.”
Over the last three years, Comcast has provided $5.8 million infinancial and in-kind charitable contributions to Oregon nonprofits.These contributions support local community programs that helpestablish and promote the company’s Digital Equity Network inOregon. The efforts also enable partner organizations to acquiretechnology equipment, provide digital skills trainings, and offeropportunities for community members to explore and train for careersin tech-related fields, or to develop the kinds of technology skillsthat can help them launch and grow their own businesses.
Thanks to the ACP,eligible Comcast customers can get home Internet either throughComcast’s Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus servicetiers at no cost, once the federal credit is applied. InternetEssentials customers can also add a line of unlimited 5G cellular data($45/month) through Xfinity Mobile for as little as $24.95/month,after the ACP benefit is applied. For more information about ProjectUP and Comcast’s commitment to education and digital equity, pleasevisit https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up .To apply for ACP or Internet Essentials visit www.Xfinity.com/free or www.internetessentials.com or call
1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
About Mt. Hood CableRegulatory Commission:
Mt. Hood Cable Regulatory Commission represents thecities of Fairview, Gresham, Portland, Troutdale, and Wood Village,and Multnomah County. The Commission is comprised of eight volunteerswho represent the communities’ cable communications technology needsand collaborate to ensure the region benefits from cable servicefranchise agreements.
About Free Geek:
FreeGeek is a Portland-based non-profit organization with a mission torepurpose technology and discover sustainable solutions whileproviding educational resources. Its ultimate aim is to foster avibrant community where individuals are empowered to unlock their fullpotential. Through their dedicated efforts, they strive to transformthe world by leveraging technology, sustainability, and education tocreate a brighter, more inclusive future, where every individual hasthe opportunity to thrive and make a meaningfulimpact.
About Comcast Corporation:
ComcastCorporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company.From the connectivity and platforms we provide, to the content andexperiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions ofcustomers, viewers, and guests worldwide. We deliver world-classbroadband, wireless, and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business, andSky; 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 lifethrough Universal Destinations & Experiences.
ContactDetails
Rachael Arnold
+1 503-924-9272
CompanyWebsite
Copyright (c) 2023 TheNewswire - All rights reserved.