Comcast invests $150,000 in Pittsburgh non-profits to boost digital equity

Global media giant Comcast has announced a significant investment in Pittsburgh's community by awarding $150,000 in grants to four local non-profit organisations. 

The funding, part of Comcast's Project UP initiative, aims to advance digital equity and support economic mobility within Allegheny County.

Project UP is Comcast's $1 billion commitment to enhance digital connectivity and promote digital skills through community partnerships. The four recipients of the grants are the African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania, Neighborhood Allies, STEM Coding Lab, and the Veterans Leadership Programme of Western Pennsylvania.

Initiatives Supported by the Grants:

African American Chamber of Commerce of Western Pennsylvania:

The Chamber will use the grant to offer a series of digital skills workshops and webinars. These sessions will focus on website development, digital marketing, and e-commerce business creation for its members.

Neighborhood Allies:

This community development organisation will organise three educational events targeting small businesses and solo entrepreneurs. The events will provide technical assistance in web design, social media training, and e-commerce. Additionally, a website roundtable with digital experts will be held to share knowledge and address business challenges.

STEM Coding Lab:

The organisation will continue to provide computer science education to kindergarten through eighth-grade students, especially those who lack access to such resources. The curriculum includes coding classes for creating animations, games, websites, and apps. A new local programme on Artificial Intelligence will also be introduced.

Veterans Leadership Programme of Western Pennsylvania:

The grant will support the organisation's mobile computer bank and digital literacy programmes, benefiting veterans across 30 counties. The focus will be on housing search assistance and career development coaching, including job exploration, resume development, and job application guidance.

"Veterans in our community have relied on our partnership with Comcast since we joined forces 10 years ago," said Ben Stahl, Chief Executive Officer of the Veterans Leadership Programme of Western Pennsylvania. "With this grant from Comcast, we will continue to aid veterans in their career growth and help them find a safe and secure place to live."

"We believe in the power of digital equity, digital literacy, and strong connectivity to improve quality of life," said Kevin Broadhurst, Vice President of Government and Regulatory Affairs for Comcast’s Keystone Region.

 "Awarding grants to Pittsburgh-area purpose-driven organisations allows our community to excel through high-speed internet and effective training."