Tech Foundry and Comcast Collaborate to Expand Digital Opportunity in Springfield, MA 

Representatives from Tech Foundry, a Springfield-based workforce development organization, and Comcast were joined today by Springfield Mayor Dominic Sarno and City Councilor Jose Delgado to celebrate a new initiative aimed at expanding Internet adoption and digital skills training for Greater Springfield residents.  

Through this collaboration, Tech Foundry will sponsor six months of Comcast’s Internet Essentials service for the first 25 individuals who complete 12 digital literacy classes. Additionally, Comcast will donate laptops to the first 50 individuals who complete six digital literacy classes through Tech Foundry’s program. 

“I commend Tech Foundry and Comcast for their proactive leadership in addressing barriers to broadband adoption,” Delgado said. “This partnership is a meaningful step toward a more connected, informed, and resilient Springfield.” 

This initiative is made possible through Comcast’s Internet Essentials Partnership program (IEPP), which enables community organizations to fund Internet Essentials (IE) service for qualifying households. Sponsored families receive all the benefits of IE: a high-speed Internet connection at home, the option to purchase a low-cost computer, and access to free digital skills training online, in person and in print.  

“This collaboration between Tech Foundry and Comcast reflects the kind of community-focused leadership that uplifts Springfield,” Sarno said. “Providing resources like Internet service and laptops to individuals working toward financial independence is not just a gift, it’s an investment in Springfield’s future.” 

Tech Foundry offers free computer literacy and Information Technology (IT) certification programs to residents across the region.  

“Comcast has been an incredibly generous and dedicated partner of Tech Foundry for many years, and their continued support has been instrumental in helping us expand our reach and deepen our impact,” said Tricia Canavan, Chief Executive Officer of Tech Foundry. “By supporting our most engaged students, Comcast is removing financial barriers to getting connected at home, so they can apply and grow their skills. This will also encourage more Springfield residents to enroll in our classes so they can fully participate in technology for work, training, healthcare and more.” 

Comcast’s support is part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion initiative to connect people to the Internet, create digital opportunity, and build a future of unlimited possibilities. This includes digital programs such as Internet Essentials, Lift Zones, and Digital Navigators.  

“Comcast is proud of its longstanding commitment to Springfield and the relationships we’ve built with local organizations like Tech Foundry, which are opening doors to transformative career pathways,” said Carolyne Hannan, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s New England Region. “We recognize the critical role that the Internet plays in achieving economic mobility and personal growth, which is why we’re investing in partnerships that empower residents to shape their own futures.” 

Internet Essentials is available throughout Springfield and provides high-speed Internet to qualifying low-income households for as low as $14.95/month. Since 2015, Comcast’s Internet Essentials has connected more than 801,000 low-income Massachusetts residents to broadband service at home.