BALTIMORE COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE LAUNCHES DIGITAL OPERATING PROGRAM TO PROMOTE INTERNET ADOPTION, SUPPORTED BY $150,000 COMCAST GRANT

CCBC Student Training Partnership to help increase awareness and adoption of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and build digital skills

BALTIMORE, September 7, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Comcast and Baltimore County Community College (CCBC) today announced the launch of its innovative Digital Navigator program that utilizes trained students to achieve more Baltimore-Area residents – including CCBC students – connect to the Internet at home, while digital literacy skills and device usage are taught. The program is supported by a 150,000 USD the grant from Comcast 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 in need of high-speed Internet for schoolwork and job searches – about resources available resources to overcome these obstacles.

Additionally, Comcast is offering exclusive Internet incentives and promoting eligibility for the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which is available to qualified individuals. one $30/month subsidy for 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 an unlimited line of 5G mobile data ($45) through Xfinity Mobile for just as much $24.95/month after ACP benefits are applied. The benefits of ACP can help them save up to $360 a year, which means lower costs and fewer loans for students to pay for their studies.

“We thank Comcast for its continued investment in our communities and commitment to advancing innovative approaches to closing the digital divide,” said Dr. John C.. Sandra L. KurtinitisPresident Baltimore County Community College (CCBC). “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 – essential building blocks for broadband adoption. 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. Key points 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.
• 1 in 3 find a new job or have a higher income.

“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,” said CEO Baltimore County said Johnny Olszewski. “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. Corporate community partnerships in state of Maryland in total over the past three years already 28.8 million USD Donate in cash and in-kind to more than 187 local nonprofit organizations. This investment includes the installation of more than 40 residential elevators state of Marylandproviding free WiFi services to local community centers to expand access to digital skills learning opportunities.

“Comcast is proud to partner with CCBC to empower members of its student body to get more Baltimoreans connected to the Internet,” said Michael Parker, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Beltline Region. “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.”

CCBC Digital Navigator Program – part of Project UP, Comcast 1 billion USD committed to advancing digital equity – building 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 its rural broadband expansion, which will bring high-speed Internet to 99% of previously unserved households in North Baltimore County.

Introducing Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company. From the connectivity and platforms we provide to the content and experiences we create, our businesses reach hundreds of millions of customers, viewers and guests around the world. We deliver world-class broadband, wireless and video through Xfinity, Comcast Business and Sky; produces, distributes and streams leading entertainment, sports and news programming through brands including NBC, Telemundo, Universal, Peacock and Sky; and bringing incredible theme parks and attractions to life through Universal Destinations & Experiences. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

About Baltimore County Community College (www.ccbcmd.edu)
Since 1957, CCBC has opened the door to high-quality, affordable, accessible education, empowering generations of area residents to transform their lives and the lives of others. of others. Each year, nearly 50,000 students enroll at the school’s main campuses, extension centers and online to get started, earn degrees, launch businesses and build careers. CCBC offers the region’s widest range of workplace degree, diploma and certificate programs that prepare students to transfer, apply for jobs and advance their careers in industries such as business, education, care healthcare, information technology, cybersecurity, construction and transportation. Designated a “Best Community College” in the Maryland Daily Record’s 2022 Readers’ Rankings, CCBC is also recognized nationally as a leader in innovative learning strategies and among the top The nation’s leading producer of college degrees. CCBC. The incredible value of education.

SOURCE Comcast