Comcast Invests $50,000 in Digital Navigator Program to Bridge Utah's Digital Divide

In a significant move to address digital inequality, Comcast has announced a $50,000 grant to Neighborhood House Utah for the creation and implementation of a digital navigator program. This initiative is set to serve the nonprofit's student and adult clients, as well as the broader Westside community, by providing crucial digital skills training and resources.

The digital divide continues to be a pressing issue in Utah, with many families, seniors, and vulnerable populations lacking access to essential digital tools and skills. This grant from Comcast aims to tackle this problem head-on by enabling Neighborhood House to hire staff and acquire the necessary equipment to offer digital opportunity and skills-based training.

Digital navigators play a vital role in closing the digital divide, as evidenced by a 2022 Boston Consulting Group survey. The study found that with the support of digital navigators, more than 65% of respondents obtained internet access on a computer or tablet at home, while over 85% increased their internet usage. Perhaps most notably, nearly 50% reported obtaining better healthcare as a result of this digital support.

The impact of this program extends beyond mere internet access. Digital navigators serve as trusted guides for those unsure where to start in the digital world, helping individuals sign up for internet service, obtain devices, and connect to digital skills training and other resources. This support can open doors to economic mobility and opportunity for many Utahns.

Neighborhood House, which has been a Comcast Lift Zone since 2020, will leverage this grant to expand its digital inclusion efforts. The organization offers nationally accredited programs for children and support services for adults, making it an ideal partner for this initiative. The new digital navigator program will complement the existing Lift Zone, which provides free, high-speed Wi-Fi to the community.

Jennifer Nuttall, Executive Director of Neighborhood House, praised the partnership with Comcast, stating that it exemplifies ideal corporate philanthropy. She emphasized Comcast's attentiveness to community needs and its commitment to making concrete, impactful investments.

The timing of this initiative is particularly significant, as it coincides with National Digital Inclusion Week, October 7-11. In celebration, and in partnership with Telemundo Utah, Neighborhood House clients will receive 150 laptop computers for use at home and at the Lift Zone, further enhancing digital access for the community.

Salt Lake City Mayor Erin Mendenhall highlighted the importance of this initiative, noting that it ensures every Westside resident has the opportunity to harness digital technology and enhance their workforce skills. She sees this collaboration as setting a new standard for public-private partnerships in fostering a more connected and resilient Salt Lake City.

This grant is part of Comcast's broader Project UP, a $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships. In Utah alone, Comcast's community partnerships have totaled $5.2 million in cash and in-kind contributions to over 90 local non-profits in the last three years, including the installation of 30 Lift Zones across the state.

As digital connectivity becomes increasingly essential in today's economy, initiatives like this play a crucial role in ensuring that all members of the community have the tools and skills needed to participate fully in the digital world. By bridging the digital divide, this program has the potential to open up new opportunities for education, employment, and economic advancement for Utah residents, contributing to a more equitable and prosperous future for the state.