Sponsored Content

Last week, over 20 Comcast executives visited the Boys and Girls Clubs of Oakland (BGCO) where they donated $25,000 to the organization, gave away free laptops to 30 students and provided a personal and professional mentorship event at the Lift Zone location.

Comcast created Lift Zones in 2020 to provide free high-speed internet at trusted community spaces such as nonprofits, community centers, gyms, parks, and recreation facilities that enable students, individuals, seniors and families to get online and more fully participate in the digital economy.

Since the pandemic, Comcast has continued to invest in Lift Zones, launching more than 1,250 Lift Zones nationwide, with over 150 existing in California and three at the BGCO. Comcast is now expanding these into capacity builders for digital equity, including personnel development and other forms of community engagement. In partnership with the BGCO, Comcast plans to create programming for the Lift Zones at their three Oakland locations.

The event was kicked off with Ken Maxey, Director of Government Affairs at Comcast, who emphasized the importance of expanding Lift Zones beyond the digital resource that they are. “With the pandemic in 2020, it was important to ensure communities in need were equipped with reliable, high-speed internet for continued learning and access to important services that require online services. But beyond free WiFi in community spaces, there is an additional need for digital equity that includes conversations on career pathways and membership, which Comcast is here to provide.”

At the gymnasium of the Anna Marie Whalen Branch, a group of approximately 30 students of the BGCO between grades 8-12 were paired off with senior leadership from Comcast for a personal and professional mentoring session to provide insights and guidance about various aspects of life, work, and education. This trusted, safe space between the mentor and the student fostered conversations about passions, goals, and skills. While each conversation differed based on the pairing, they all had a shared goal of finding that connection, bonding over their interests, upbringing, and goals. After the hour-long mentoring session, the students networked with the executives over lunch, discussing what they learned during their conversation and what actions they will take over the summer to improve upon their skills.

Calvester Stanley, President of the BGCO spoke to the importance of exposing the youth to adults with successful careers at big companies like Comcast. “Sometimes kids, and adults too, listen better to positive messages from other adults as opposed to their parents and caregivers, that’s why it is important to expose them to good role models. More is caught than thought. Our young people will be able to see these adults behind a great company, Comcast, down in their community helping them improve their lives.”

Nelson Duckett, Regional Vice President of Operations, was a part of the technical operations crew that involved setting up the WiFi connection for Lift Zones and was one of the mentors. “I believe in the power of having a mentor as someone who believes in your growth, helps you find your inner confidence, and helps you identify your skills and talents.”

To end off the event, Patrick (no last name for privacy purposes,) the 2023 BGCO Youth of the Year, helped announce that Comcast will contribute $25,000 to the organization to further Digital Equity efforts at the clubs! In addition, each student received a free laptop to take home along with school supplies. These donations will ensure that the students will be well-equipped for their digital needs, serving as a reminder that Comcast will continue its investment in the youth by helping meet student needs and further close the digital divide.

Article placed for by: Jon Koriel
The news and editorial staff of the Bay Area News Group had no role in this post’s preparation.