Baltimore County Community College Launches Digital Navigator Program to Promote Internet Use

BALTIMORE, MD – Comcast and the Community Colleges of Baltimore County (CCBC) announced the launch of an innovative Digital Navigator program that will utilize trained students to engage more Baltimore area residents – including CCBC students – connect to the Internet at home, while teaching digital literacy skills and how to use devices. The program is supported by a $150,000 grant from Comcast, which will be used to hire and train nearly a dozen CCBC students.

CCBC Digital Navigators will focus on addressing the barriers households face when getting online – specifically affordability, device access and digital skills. Digital Navigator is trained to educate residents – including thousands of CCBC students returning to school this fall who need high-speed Internet for schoolwork and job searches – about resources available to overcome these obstacles.

Additionally, Comcast is offering exclusive internet deals and spreading the word about eligibility for the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which offers individuals qualify for a $30/month benefit on their internet bill. Thanks to ACP, eligible Comcast customers can access home Internet through Comcast’s Internet Essentials or Internet Essentials Plus for free after Federal credit is applied. Internet Essentials customers can also add unlimited 5G mobile data ($45) through Xfinity Mobile for just $24.95/month after ACP benefits are applied. ACP benefits can help them save up to $360 a year, which means lower costs and fewer student loans to pay for their education.

“We thank Comcast for its continued investment in our community and commitment to advancing innovative approaches,” said Dr. Sandra L. Kurtinitis, President of the Community Colleges of Baltimore County (CCBC). innovation to bridge the digital divide.” “The major impact of this partnership will be to ensure that CCBC students are connected at home as well as on campus. Internet affordability is not a barrier to academic and career success Castle.”

The Digital Navigator Model is a highly effective and research-based approach that engages trusted community organizations to address the root causes of the digital divide, including including internet access, technology and digital skills. A recent study by the Boston Consulting Group surveyed more than 1,500 people nationwide who have used Digital Navigator services and revealed the important role Digital Navigator plays in bridging the digital divide. digitally and reduce socioeconomic inequality. Main contents include:

• More than 65% of survey respondents said they have access to the Internet or a computer or tablet at home; Among Hispanic and black Americans, this number increases to 72%.
• More than 85% of respondents said they use the Internet more often.
• Nearly half of those surveyed received better health care and 40% received assistance with basic needs like food, rent and housing.
• One-third found new or higher-paying jobs.

“Closing the digital divide in Baltimore County remains a top priority for my administration, and we are committed to ensuring all of our residents have access to the tools they need to succeed and stay connected.” “The Digital Navigator Program will build on our strong partnerships with CCBC and Comcast and help students and community members connect, learn about new technology, and share digital literacy skills.”

Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital equity in the communities it serves. The company’s community partnerships in Maryland over the past three years have totaled $28.8 million in cash and in-kind contributions to more than 187 local nonprofits. This investment includes the installation of more than 40 Lift Zones in Maryland, which provide free Wi-Fi services to local community centers to expand access to technical skills learning opportunities. digital.

“Comcast is proud to partner with CCBC to empower members of its student body to get more Baltimoreans connected to More Internet”. “It takes deep partnerships to ensure we reach and connect those in need, and that’s why partnering with CCBC is so important as we work to accelerate access to digital access and adoption.”

The CCBC Digital Navigator Program – part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to leverage digital equity – builds on Comcast’s ongoing partnership with Baltimore County to bridge the digital divide. Earlier this year, Comcast and Baltimore County announced the latest phase of rural broadband expansion, which will bring high-speed Internet to 99% of previously underserved households in North Baltimore County.