Lift Zones Will Provide Safe Spaces with Free Internet to Help Thousands of Low-Income Students Participate in Distance Learning
HARRISBURG, PA – August 18, 2021 – As part of its ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy, Comcast today announced plans to equip five different Harrisburg locations with WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” over the next few months. Some sites are also available for adults, veterans and seniors to look for and apply for jobs, and to keep in touch with friends and family.
Comcast is providing robust WiFi coverage at five partner locations that are expected to help thousands of low-income students get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework:
- Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg – Angino Clubhouse
- Boys & Girls Club of Harrisburg – John N. Hall Clubhouse
- Camp Curtin Branch of the Harrisburg Area YMCA
- The Journey
- Shalom House
“These Harrisburg organizations serve children at every grade level,” said Mayor Eric Papenfuse. “Access to WiFi is critical for students to stay connected, and I appreciate the initiative by Comcast to help bridge the digital divide and close the homework gap.”
There are 45 Lift Zones already operational in central and eastern Pennsylvania, with others currently under consideration. These Lift Zones will feature free WiFi provided by Comcast, which will enable students to successfully participate in distance learning.The initiative will provide free connectivity for the community partners for the next three years.
Lift Zone sites complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which has helped connect millions of low-income people to the Internet at home, including approximately 44,000 in Dauphin County.
“The COVID-19 crisis continues to put many low-income students at risk of being left behind, accelerating the need for comprehensive digital equity and Internet adoption programs to support them,” said Toni Murphy, Senior Vice President for Comcast’s Keystone Region. “We hope these Lift Zones will help families who, for a variety of reasons, are unable to connect to effective distance learning at home.”
