As part of our ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet so they can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy, today we announced plans to equip more than 30 locations across New Mexico with WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” before the end of 2021.
Working with our network of nonprofit, community, and city partners, we are providing robust, free WiFi in safe spaces for students and adults to get online, participate in distance learning and workforce development trainings, and access critical resources. This initiative provides free connectivity inside partner centers for the next three years.
Youth Development, Inc. (YDI) is one of the first Lift Zones installed in New Mexico. For nearly 50 years, YDI has been fighting poverty in New Mexico through a variety of youth and family services programs.
Transforming two of our YDI centers into Lift Zones has made a huge difference in the lives of the students we serve,” said Robert Chavez, CFO/COO, Youth Development, Inc. “Many of the kids who come to YDI either don’t have internet at home or they can’t study at home and need somewhere safe to go. We’re so glad to be able to work with Comcast to give our students a safe, clean, and connected space where they can stay in school even when schools are closed.”
“Partnering with Comcast to provide Lift Zones at three Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Fe/Del Norte locations is crucial for the success of our students. These connectivity sites will help ensure our students can access critical resources and participate in their education online,” said Roman Abeyta, Chief Professional Officer, Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Fe.
During the pandemic we stepped up to fill an urgent need, providing WiFi hotspots at nearly 60 community centers, libraries, and in neighborhoods for students who don’t have access to the internet at home,” said Mayor Tim Keller, City of Albuquerque. “This partnership to add Comcast Lift Zones will build on that work to expand access to a basic need for both workers and students during this pandemic and into the future.”
“Boys & Girls Clubs of Farmington is thrilled to partner with Comcast to help bridge the digital divide in our community with their Lift Zone initiative,” said Nikki Taylor, Director of Development, Boys & Girls Clubs of Farmington. “These Lift Zones will help ensure our students can access the Internet and participate in school online.”
In addition, the we are providing free access to all outdoor WiFi hotspots through June 30, 2021, plus hundreds of hours of digital skills content to help families and site coordinators navigate online learning. Lift Zone sites complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which has helped connect millions of low-income students and families to the Internet at home. New Internet Essentials customers who sign up by June 30, 2021 will also be eligible to receive 60-days of free Internet service.
For more information about Lift Zones in New Mexico, visit https://newmexico.comcast.com/lift-zones/.
