Comcast has partnered with 3 amazing athletes who help promote their Internet Essentials program. Six-time Olympic medal winner, Jackie Joyner Kersee, and Olympic Hockey medalists: Monique Lamoureux and Jocelyne Lamoureux help share the program with low-income communities nationwide. I visited Studio Xfinity along with other Maryland and DC bloggers to learn more about how the program impacts the community in Washington, DC.
Let me tell you, sitting in a room with Olympic athletics wasn’t the least bit intimidating because they were all warm and down-to-earth people. We watched a sneak peak into their athletic careers and learned about their commitment to people who are less fortunate.
Comcast Expands Their Internet Essentials Program
We went to Studio Xfinity and learned more about the program. Watch the video on my Cleverly Changing Facebook page:
Overall, David L. Cohen the Senior Executive Vice President and the Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation brought his enthusiasm into the room as he moderated the event. He also encouraged us to let the public know that this benefit exists in several communities across the US.
What is Internet Essentials?
Internet Essentials is a program helps bridge the digital divide in low-income communities. The program gives low-income households discounted internet service, digital literacy education classes, heavily discounted digital devices such as tablets and laptop computers. Usually, the computer will cost an Internet Essentials Customer only about $150.
Who is Eligible to Receive Their Discounted Services?
Free and Reduced Lunch Program Recipients
Primarily, households where children attend school and are eligible for the school’s free lunch or reduced lunch program. Having a child who attends public school is not a requirement. Instead, “school” is defined as any educational settings including public, charter, private, parochial, cyber school, and homeschool.
If at least 40 % of students at a child’s school receives free or reduced lunch then the household will be eligible.
Low-Income Senior Citizens
Low-Income Veterans
Comcast’s Internet Essentials program is partnering with the Elizabeth Dole Foundation and the PsychArmor Institute to provide learning tools for low-income veterans. In order to be eligible veterans must receive federal or state public assistance and live in a Comcast-served area.
Lasting Impressions from the Event
Overall, Cohen is extremely proud of Comcast’s efforts to give back to communities who are in need. The internet may be something that we take for granted, but can help families receive and apply for jobs, it gives students access to complete online homework, and helps parents better communicate with their teachers. In many respects, David Cohen describes the program as “life-changing.”
The excitement in the room from David Cohen, Jackie Joyner Kersee, and the Lamoureux twins was infectious. To date, Comcast reports that they have served over 6 million people in their target low-income community areas. Comcast wants to increase their numbers even more. If you know families who may be eligible tell them about this program by sharing this post with them.
Apply for Internet Essentials Here
Be Kind, Share This Information With A Friend
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Learn more about Internet Essentials here
Internetessentials.Com, 2018, https://www.internetessentials.com/~/media/InternetEssential/IE%20Fact%20Sheet%209.9.2016.pdf. Accessed 27 Sept 2018.
Reader Question
Lastly, I’d love to hear from you. What are your thoughts about the program?
*images provided by Comcast (Matt Odom Photography)