These additional initiatives arrive as the COVID crisis has demonstrated far-reaching effects that disproportionately impact those who have traditionally lacked access to the tools, resources, and skills needed to get online. Compounding this reality is research showing low-income students and their families face numerous broadband adoption challenges, like housing insecurity, literacy challenges, language barriers, and broadband relevancy issues.
For those young people pursuing higher education, the expansion of IE eligibility to Pell Grant recipients is a real boost. Through the announcements we are making today, we will help support the development of a workforce that has the digital skills necessary to adapt to rapid shifts in a fast-evolving economy. The Federal Pell Grant program, established in , is the largest source of federal grant aid for students pursuing a postsecondary education.
For over a decade, connecting more people to the Internet and the technology they need to participate and excel in an increasingly digital world has been a core focus for the company. Looking toward the next ten years, Comcast is building on that foundation and expanding its impact through Project UP, a comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.
For more information on Project UP and the latest news on efforts to address digital inequities, including the recent expansion of the Comcast RISE Investment Fund to provide millions in grants to small business owners of color and investment in research to increase diversity in the technology and digital fields , visit corporate. In 10 years, it has helped connect 10 million low-income Americans to broadband Internet at home, most for the very first time.
It has a comprehensive design that addresses each of the three major barriers to broadband adoption. Some sites also offer indoor public access during business hours. Everyone using the sites — outside or inside — must practice social distancing and hygiene precautions, including staying in your vehicle or at least six feet from other users and wearing a mask if necessary. Each hotspot will have its own security protocol. For public library drive-in wifi spots, please contact the public library system directly if you encounter difficulties or have questions.
Broadband equity is not just a rural challenge. The drive-In Wi-Fi hotspot project addresses underserved and economically disadvantaged communities in urban and suburban areas as well. The Washington State Broadband Office estimates over new drive-in Wi-Fi hotspots are coming online statewide through an initiative to bring free public broadband internet access to all residents.
Contact the Washington State Broadband Office.
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