Nicole Husbands
Indian Valley Public Library

Continuing our series of highlighting PA Forward’s partners, we focus on Comcast and its commitment to expanding broadband Internet access to low-income households. Comcast is dedicated to providing affordable Internet and computers to low-income families. Keep reading to learn more about becoming a local partner with Comcast in order to promote information literacy. In the past, this partnership with Comcast has led to planning an outreach event to promote information literacy through making Internet resources more readily available in the community.Pennsylv

Our Partner: Internet Essentials ^SM from Comcast: The nation’s largest and most comprehensive high-speed Internet adoption program for low-income households. It provides low-cost Internet service for $9.95 a month; the option to purchase an Internet-ready computer for less than $150; and access to free digital literacy training.

Partner Profile: Since 2011, Comcast has invested more than $240 million in cash and in-kind support to help fund digital literacy training and education initiatives, reaching nearly 3.2 million people through national and local nonprofit community partners. Internet Essentials is one of those major investments, having connected more than 500,000 families to the Internet since its inception in August 2011.

Resources for Libraries: You can become a local community partner by visiting the Internet Essentials Partner site to order and/or download materials at no cost to you. Also available at the Internet Essentials Partner site are free online tutorials including learning the basics of using the Internet, how to remain safe online and help with school and job searches.

Which Literacy & Why: Information Literacy efforts like Internet Essentials means access to high-speed Internet at home opens up a world of possibilities for both children and libraries.

Why Libraries? Today’s libraries offer a variety of resources in addition to books and other print materials. They offer online homework help, genealogy research, job search assistance, community resources, E-books, E-audiobooks, music and much more.

Who to Contact? Contact a local Comcast Government Affairs representative (listed below) for questions about Internet Essentials as well as suggestions on ways we can further partner with your local libraries. We’d love to hear from you!

Comcast Government Affairs (GA) Representatives by Pennsylvania

Please note that Comcast provides Internet coverage in 45 of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. If you are not in a Comcast coverage area, visit the everyoneon website to find a similar low-cost technology partner near you.