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, we’re announcing the activation of 10 locations across Colorado Springs and Pueblo as WiFi-connected “Lift Zones.”
Working with our network of nonprofit partners in the Southern Colorado region, we are providing robust WiFi coverage in safe spaces to help low-income students and individuals get online, access critical resources, participate in digital literacy and workforce development trainings, and support their education during the school year and into the summer months for continuous learning.
We are grateful to Comcast for providing these Lift Zones at service providers across our city,” said Mayor John Suthers, City of Colorado Springs. “Internet connectivity has been a vital part of the continued functioning of our economy and our schools, and it’s important that we remove any obstacles that could keep people from working or learning during these unprecedented times.”
“The pandemic underscored how critical a reliable internet connection is for Pueblo students and individuals,” said Mayor Nick Gradisar, City of Pueblo. “The Comcast Lift Zones being installed at community centers across the city are a welcome addition to our community, providing much-needed connectivity.”
Southern Colorado organizations working with us to establish Lift Zones in their respective facilities include:
Colorado Springs
- Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pikes Peak Region
- E.A. Tutt Club
- El Pomar Club
- YMCA
- Southeast Family
- Garden Ranch Family
- Salvation Army
- Red Shield
- Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center
Pueblo
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County
- Senior Resource Development Agency (SRDA)
- Sprague Clubhouse
- Pueblo YMCA
- Southern Colorado Youth Development
These Lift Zones will feature free WiFi provided by Comcast, which allows students and adults to work on laptops simultaneously so they can successfully participate in the digital economy. This initiative provides free connectivity inside partner community centers for the next three years.
Access to the Internet is a critical component of digital equity, especially as we head into the summer months,” said Amy Lynch, Sr. Vice President Comcast Mountain West Region. “Reliable connectivity offered in a safe, clean space for students is a year-round necessity to combat summer learning loss. Consistent connectivity and locations for adults to get online, search for jobs, access healthcare information and adult education is key for all individuals in our communities to succeeded in an increasingly digital world.”
Lift Zones sites are also being installed in communities throughout the state and we are currently accepting nominations for potential Lift Zone sites.
Visit Colorado.Comcast.com/Lift-Zones to nominate an organization and see the full list of current locations across Colorado.
In addition, we are providing free access to 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 connected more than more than 82,000 low-income Southern Coloradans and more than 480,000 Coloradans across the state to the internet at home.
Today’s announcement also comes on the heels of Comcast’s recent $1 billion commitment over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income students and families the tools and resources they need to succeed in a digital world.
Partner & Community Feedback!
The Lift Zones gave me a more stable internet connection so that I could connect to the websites of the Colleges that I was applying to!”– Joseph, Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County Member, age 17
“The Lift Zones were real easy to connect to which made it less frustrating to get started for the day” – Lucas, Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County Member, age15
“The Comcast Lift Zone allowed our members to fully participate in their virtual classroom experience, which was not the case prior the Lift Zone installation due to the lack of internet speed with so many members utilizing the WiFi at the club at the same time,” – Cheryl Martinez, Boys & Girls Clubs of Pueblo County Teen Director.
“We’re thankful to Comcast for their commitment to providing Colorado Springs residents with safe, fast and reliable connectivity. Through these WiFi-connected Lift Zones activated in partnership with local community organizations, Comcast is stepping up to fill a crucial need.” – Tom Strand, Colorado Springs City Council President
“Comcast has long been a steadfast partner to Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center as we team to support our military community. COVID-19 forced us to expand our virtual service delivery model and Comcast has once again come along side of us to offer a helping hand to enhance the connectivity of our clients. A sincere thank you to these tremendous teammates.” –Robert “Bob” McLaughlin, Chief Operating Officer, Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center.
“With virtual learning, having fast internet is imperative because the kids lose focus quickly. If we have internet that’s lagging, it’s hard to get them to refocus and do their assignments. It alleviates a lot of stress from staff and helps keep the kids focused.” – Sarah Conley, Child Development Director, Pueblo YMCA
“We are so excited to be selected as one of Comcast’s Lift Zone Locations. The Wifi provided by Comcast will benefit kids in our community, families and Veterans in our transitional housing, and members of our community who need a place to look for housing or employment. We thank Comcast for selecting us and are excited for the partnership.” – Captain Doug Hanson El Paso County Coordinator for the Salvation Army
“The Lift Zones helped the Club better support our members during COVID. We were able to ensure that all of the youth who attended our Day School and after school programs would have all the support and resource to complete their virtual learning. I am grateful for the partnership with Comcast because their support and contribution is really helping support our youth.” – Boys & Girls Clubs of the Pikes Peak Region E.A. Tutt Branch Director Leeza Ortiz
