Sacramento Becomes Home to Comcast’s 100th Lift Zone in California

At an event today with Sacramento Mayor Darrell Steinberg, Comcast announced its 100th WiFi-connected “Lift Zone” at the La Familia Counseling Center, as well as plans to create a total of 10 Lift Zones at various other Sacramento locations. Lift Zones are part of a new initiative from Comcast designed to help ensure Sacramento youth in need have access to robust WiFi coverage at local neighborhood community centers where thousands of low-income students can get online, participate in distance learning, and do their homework.    

“Our organization is proud to be the 100th Lift Zone in California. Offering these Lift Zones from Comcast is providing a safe location for students who are unable to stay at home and work on their school assignments,” said Rachel Rios, Executive Director of La Familia Counseling Center. 

Comcast also announced a total donation of $100,000 to four digital equity partners. La Familia Counseling Center, Asian Resources Inc, Reimagine Mack Road Foundation, and Greater Sacramento United Way will each receive $25,000 to provide digital literacy training, homework assistance and a safe space for Sacramento youth to learn and grow. In addition to providing free WiFi service at the 10 Lift Zone locations, Comcast will also provide 1,000 youth with a laptop computer, free Internet at home for 12 months (to eligible families) through its Internet Essentials program and grade-appropriate school supplies.   

“Achieving digital equity is crucial as we work to make sure children growing up in all of our neighborhoods have access to the tools and training needed to succeed in the 21st Century,” said Mayor Darrell Steinberg. “Comcast has repeatedly stepped up to help with this effort, and the City of Sacramento is pleased to partner with them on using Lift Zones to create learning hubs for our young people and giving them the tools to learn at home as well.” 

“The pandemic has shed light on many inequities in our society including the digital divide. Parents who are essential workers or those who don’t have internet at home have been questioning how to handle distance learning or homework assignments for their children,” said Stephanie Nguyen, Executive Director, Asian Resources Inc. “That’s why we are grateful that Comcast has partnered with Asian Resources Inc to provide these crucial technology and digital training resources and stepping in to fill an important need in the community.” 

To learn more about Lift Zones and to find one near you visit: https://california.comcast.com/lift-zones/  

Rachel Rios from the La Familia Counseling Center hands out laptops to local families as part of a press conference where Comcast announced their 100th Lift Zone in California, Tuesday, August 31, 2020 in Sacramento, Calif. (Fred Greaves/Comcast 2021)

Employees give away laptops and school supplies as part of a press conference where Comcast announced their 100th Lift Zone in California, Tuesday, August 31, 2020 in Sacramento, Calif. (Fred Greaves/Comcast 2021)

A family gives a thumbs-up after getting free laptops and school supplies as part of a press conference where Comcast announced their 100th Lift Zone in California, Tuesday, August 31, 2020 in Sacramento, Calif. (Fred Greaves/Comcast 2021)