Comcast Donates 200+ Laptops to San Joaquin Valley Students & Launches 5 New Lift Zones to Help Close the Digital Divide

Yesterday, in an effort to help close the Digital Divide in California, Comcast donated 200+ laptops to students at El Concilio Academy in Stockton, CA, while also opening five new Lift Zones at several El Concilio California locations to provide free access to high-speed WiFi. As part of its larger digital equity initiative, Comcast also made a cash contribution of $50,000 to El Concilio, California, which is one of the largest community-based, nonprofit social service providers in California’s San Joaquin and Stanislaus Counties.

Comcast’s award-winning Lift Zones program offers free WiFi, powered by a Comcast Business solution, which enables students, seniors, families, and community members to get online and more fully participate in the digital economy. With these new locations, Comcast has now established five Lift Zones in San Joaquin County—and a total of over 150 Lift Zones throughout its California service area.

“It’s no secret that having access to high-speed, reliable broadband is even greater today than it was a couple years ago, and I’m grateful to see business partners like Comcast continuing to invest in our underserved communities,” said Jose R. Rodriguez, President & CEO of El Concilio California. “The resources provided by Comcast to our students and families today will have a significant impact on their overall quality of life, help maximize their potential and create lasting change.”

“Thank you, Comcast for positively impacting our community through technology services, financial resources, and the launch of new Lift Zones in Stockton,” said Mayor Kevin Lincoln, of Stockton, CA. “Internet access is not a luxury, it is a necessity. I am grateful for Comcast’s continued support in providing these critical tools for our city.”

“Closing the digital divide and addressing digital equity remain two of Comcast’s top priorities here in Stockton and across the nation,” said Broderick Johnson, EVP of Public Policy and Digital Equity at Comcast. “Programs like Lift Zones and our continued donations to provide digital literacy resources are helping to level the playing field and make sure the Internet is available to everyone who needs it.”

Today’s announcement and donation are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to reach millions of people with the tools, resources, and skills needed to succeed in a digital world. The Comcast Lift Zones program complements the Internet Essentials program, which since 2011, has helped connect more than 10 million low-income people to the Internet at home. In California, Comcast has connected more than 1.7 million residents, making it the number one state in terms of overall participation in the Internet Essentials program.

Comcast continues to be an avid participant in the Federal Government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible people up to a $30/per month credit toward their Internet and mobile services. New and existing Xfinity Internet or Internet Essentials customers can learn more about the program and sign up by visiting: https://www.xfinity.com/learn/internet-service/acp/free-internet.