From Robotics to Cello: Comcast’s $50K Gift to San Bruno Schools Fuels Digital Dreams

Written by the San Francisco Business Times.

At a lively back-to-school community barbecue last month, Comcast made more than a splash, it made a lasting impact. The company announced a $50,000 donation to the San Bruno Education Foundation, aimed at expanding digital learning opportunities for local students, including the city’s popular robotics program.

The funding will support a range of after-school programs focused on technology, science, music and creativity — programs that are already transforming lives. One student who has felt the impact firsthand is Oscar Kimmell, an eighth grader at Parkside Intermediate School. Thanks to foundation-supported programs, Oscar has discovered a passion for robotics, science and music, and is now dreaming of becoming a mechanical engineer.

“We build a robot out of Legos that accomplishes a task on a mat,” Oscar said, describing his favorite program. The Lego robotics challenge encourages teamwork, design thinking and problem-solving. With consistent coaching from the same instructor over the past three years, the program has become a cornerstone of Oscar’s school experience.

Oscar’s journey also includes the districtwide STEM Fair, where he has explored projects ranging from solar ovens to resonance frequencies. “It’s a monthlong process,” he said, recalling the excitement of presenting to judges after weeks of preparation. These hands-on experiences have helped him connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

Oscar’s talents aren’t limited to STEM. He also plays the cello in the school’s music program, which is fully funded by the foundation. “When I first started, I didn’t know what to expect,” he said. Now, he performs regularly and travels to competitions, including trips to Great America and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.

One of the most powerful aspects of these programs is accessibility. The foundation ensures that cost isn’t a barrier, providing instruments for music students, funding additional robotics teams as interest grows and helping students with supplies for the science fair.

Comcast’s donation is helping ensure that more students like Oscar can access these enriching experiences.

“When Comcast enters a community, we show up and commit,” said David Tashjian, regional senior vice president of Comcast’s California Region. “This investment reflects our commitment to supporting San Bruno’s youth and their future.”

The gift comes on the heels of Comcast’s acquisition of CityNet Services, San Bruno’s municipally owned broadband network. The transition promises multi-gigabit symmetrical speeds and improved reliability for residents and businesses — marking a new chapter in the city’s digital infrastructure.

Heather Latta, president of the San Bruno Education Foundation, called the donation a catalyst for change. “These funds will allow us to deliver high-quality after-school programming and deepen the district’s digital skills training,” she said. “It’s a wonderful investment in our children and our community.”

Through initiatives like Internet Essentials and Lift Zones, Comcast has invested more than $130.5 million across California over the past three years to help close the digital divide. In San Bruno, that commitment is already sparking dreams — and building futures.