Comcast Awards More Than $600K in Grants to Advance Digital Access and Skills Across Greater Boston in 2024

Comcast announced the award of more than $600,000 in grants to 12 organizations last year – including Tech Goes Home and the Massachusetts Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs – to support digital opportunity for residents across Greater Boston, Eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire. These grants will directly support programs that provide access to Digital Navigators, digital skill-building services, and technology resources to help residents in Boston and surrounding communities bridge the digital divide.

This support is made possible through Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital opportunity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities. A key focus of this initiative is expanding a nationwide network of Digital Navigators – trusted community members affiliated with local nonprofits, educational institutions, or governmental organizations who are trained to help people learn how to get online, use technology and devices, leverage resources, and build digital skills that drive economic and educational success.  

Among the organizations that received grants in 2024 include:    

• Boston Public Library Foundation (MA) received $50,000 to expand its Connectivity Kit lending program, adding 140 kits to increase access for more Bostonians.

• Boys & Girls Club of Central and Northern New Hampshire received $30,000 to implement MyFuture, a digital skills program to teach club members of all ages about the digital world, ignite their passion for technology and help bridge the digital divide with access to 500 digital skill building activities.

• Boys & Girls Club of Greater Manchester (NH) received $30,000 to expand its STEM education programming to include digital arts and digital literacy skills training, as well as provide necessary software and access to training for its staff.

• Community Health Center of Cape Cod (MA) received $50,000 to support the continuation of its successful Digital Navigator program to assist patients with electronic tools, including telehealth options.

• Granite United Way (Manchester, NH) received $50,000 to develop and train a network of 15 Digital Navigators to teach digital literacy skills in targeted regions across New Hampshire.

• Just A Start (MA) received $25,000 to provide tuition-free education and training for participants entering careers in IT.

• Lead for America (Greater Boston) received $225,000 to support its American Connection Corps (ACC) program and fund the placement of 10 Digital Navigators in communities such as Boston and Lowell, MA. 

• Massachusetts Alliance for Boys & Girls Club (Greater Boston) received $105,000 to enable club staff to deliver digital skills training focused on academic success, good character, and healthy lifestyles.

• One Bead (Boston) received $20,000 to fund its Digital Navigator program to connect more Bostonians to the Internet and enhance digital literacy development.

• Save The Harbor (Boston) received $20,000 to provide career-focused digital skills development to its Boston Public Schools participants.

• Tech Goes Home (Greater Boston)received $100,000to expand its digital inclusion programs across Boston and surrounding communities, where participants complete 15 hours of digital skills training to earn a technology bundle that includes a personal device.  

• YMCA of Martha’s Vineyard (MA) received $30,000 to support its digital literacy and community outreach programs for teens and senior members.

“We recognize that reliable Internet access and digital literacy are essential for success in today’s world,” said Carolyne Hannan, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s New England Region. “These grants reflect our commitment to closing the digital skills gap by supporting our local partner organizations that provide life-changing digital resources and impactful programming for individuals across Greater Boston.”

“Comcast is a vital partner in our efforts to ensure communities across Massachusetts have the resources to thrive in the digital economy,” said Marvin Venay, Chief External Affairs and Advocacy Officer of Tech Goes Home. “Comcast’s investment is a crucial step in expanding our offerings in Greater Boston, enabling Tech Goes Home to engage learners with digital skills training, affordable Internet access, and a laptop or tablet – all tools that can unlock economic and educational opportunities for residents who might otherwise be left behind. We are grateful for Comcast’s ongoing support in our shared mission to closing the digital divide.”

Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital opportunity in the communities it serves. Over the past three years, the company has invested more than $54 million in cash and in-kind contributions to 238 nonprofits in Massachusetts. This investment includes digital opportunity programs such as Internet Essentials and Lift Zones. Since its inception in 2011, Comcast’s Internet Essentials has connected more than 732,000 low-income Massachusetts residents to broadband service at home. Additionally, Comcast has launched more than 1,250 Lift Zones in community centers nationwide – with 76 locations in Massachusetts alone – to provide students and families with free, high-speed WiFi and digital skills training. Comcast also has 12 Digital Navigator programs throughout Massachusetts.

For additional information on Project UP and our digital opportunity initiatives, visit: https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.