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Workforce DevelopmentCouncil of Seattle-King County ( WDC ), a nonprofitdedicated to elevating job quality, economic growth, and prosperitywhile centering racial equity in Seattle and King County, hasannounced an effort to utilize Digital Navigators to advance digitalequity in preparation for upcoming BEAD-supported programs.Collaborating with various digitalequity partners , WDC has also joined forces with Comcast, who hasgenerously donated $60,000, to support the deployment of two DigitalNavigators at WorkSourcelocations . This collaboration signifies a collective commitment tobridging the digital divide, fostering inclusivity, and ensuring thatthe benefits of technology reach all corners of our community.
The Broadband Equity,Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program provides $42 billion to expandhigh-speed internet access across the nation. This expansiveinitiative is set to allocate funds for planning, infrastructuredeployment, and adoption programs in all 50 states. The state ofWashington is slated to receive $1.2 billion in BEAD funding.
Digital Navigators areindividuals affiliated with trusted community organizations who aretrained to help people access the internet, use devices, and builddigital skills. According to the findings of a BostonConsulting Group study , they are critical to closing the digitaldivide and reducing socioeconomic inequalities by helping more peopleget online.
Employing DigitalNavigator Programs ensures BEAD-fund grants make their intended impactand raise digital equity in communities. The contribution made byComcast makes it possible for Digital Navigators to be available attwo WorkSource centers in Seattle’s Rainier Valley and Auburn,further supporting the successful utilization of BEAD-fund grants.
“A recent study showed that individuals who are below 150% of the poverty level arealso 30% less likely to have a laptop or tablet,” said Marie Kurose,CEO of Workforce Development of Seattle-King County. “Thisunderscores the need for greater digital equity in the city andcounty. Continued regional coordination and alignment in addressingthe digital divide is critical as we await the arrival of BEAD fundingin Washington.”
The Seattle-KingCounty WorkSource system consists of two WorkSource ComprehensiveCenters; four WorkSource Affiliate sites, and thirty-nine WorkSourcecommunity-based site partners. Combined, the WorkSource partners andWorkSource sites comprise America’s Job Center Network in theregion. WorkSource centers play a vital role in communities byoffering comprehensive career development and support services,effectively serving as a convenient "one-stop" solution. Thesecenters integrate employment services, skills training, and communitysupport to empower job seekers.
While the staff at these centers provide valuable careercounseling services, they can dedicate only some of their time tohelping individuals with digital skills. That is where the DigitalNavigator Program comes in. The Digital Navigator Program leadscollaborative partners in implementing activities to eliminatebarriers, providing a path forward in equitable digital inclusion withincreased access to services such as Telehealth, Employment, Educationand Training.
Digitalnavigators can offer personalized one-on-one and small groupinstruction in person and, when possible, in the learners' nativelanguages. Additionally, they provide resource navigation, assistingindividuals in accessing other essential resources, such as accessibleor affordable internet options and devices. This approach helps bridgethe gap in giving much-needed digital skills training to those whorequire it.
“With a $1.2billion BEAD allocation coming to Washington, there is an exceptionalopportunity to do more than just build infrastructure. We aim toactively support job seekers from underserved communities by equippingthem with the skills they need to secure quality jobs created by thisfunding," explained Marisol Tapia Hopper, director of StrategicPartnerships and Funding at the Workforce Development Council.“Although the BEAD funding is significant, it alone cannot coverboth the essential infrastructure projects and the training programsrequired in the broadband sector.”
“We are doing everything we can to advance digital equity inthe state and partnerships like this one with WDC do just that,”said Carla Carrell, External Affairs senior director for Comcast inWashington. “We are true believers in the power of DigitalNavigators and helping Workforce Development staff WorkSourcelocations with them will make a huge difference in addressing thedigital divide in King County.”
The partnership is part of Project UP – a comprehensive $1 billion initiative to advance digital equitynationwide and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. As apart of Project UP, Comcast has launched more than 90 Lift Zones inWashington to assist families with limited or no internet connectionin their homes. Lift Zones provide free, robust WiFi hotspots in safespaces designed to help students and families get online, participatein distance learning, do homework, search for jobs, and accesshealthcare information and public assistance.
Project UP also includes Internet Essentials ,the nation's largest and most comprehensive broadband adoptionprogram. For more than 10 years, Comcast's Internet Essentialsprogram has connected more people to the internet and the technologythey need to participate and excel in an increasingly digital world.Internet Essentials provides affordable home internet for qualifyinghouseholds ($9.95/mo. for up to 50 Mbps, or $29.95/mo. for up to 100Mbps) — as well as low-cost computers, free WiFi hotspots, and freeinternet training.
About Workforce Development of Seattle-King County
The Workforce Development Council ofSeattle-King County (WDC) aspires to lead transformative change thatwill evolve our region’s workforce development efforts into aninnovative industry, community, and outcome-drive system with racialequity at its core. As a nonprofit, grant-making organization, the WDCcollaborates with a diverse set of partners to elevate job quality,economic growth, and prosperity for adults and youth throughout theSeattle-King County region.
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA)is a global media and technology company that connects people tomoments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity,aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationshipsacross the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless,and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands;create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and newsthrough Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group,Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cablenetworks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, andSky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks andResorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
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