Comcast Awards $50,000 Grant to the Boston Public Library Fund to Advance Digital Opportunity

Comcast has awarded a $50,000 grant to the Boston Public Library (BPL) Fund to refresh the BPL’s popular Connectivity Kit program, which loans laptops and Internet access to patrons for up to three weeks. Announced earlier today at the library, the grant will allow the BPL to replace nearly half of its kits with new laptop computers – ensuring continued access to vital online learning and digital literacy resources.

In addition to the grant award, Comcast hosted an informational workshop to share actionable advice to stay safe online, refresh digital literacy skills, and provide tips to avoid phishing and other online scams for 15 local seniors.

With today’s announcement, Comcast has contributed $100,000 to the BPL Fund over the past year to purchase laptops – dramatically reducing the wait time for Connectivity Kits from 40 days to just one day for Boston residents with a library card.

“Comcast’s continued investment allows us to strengthen one of the library’s most impactful programs and advance our shared goal of digital opportunity,” said Paula Sakey, Executive Director of the Boston Public Library Fund. “Together, we are ensuring that every Boston resident — regardless of their income or circumstances — can access the tools they need to learn, work, and fully participate in civic life.”

BPL patrons have consistently expressed strong support and satisfaction with the Connectivity Kit program. For example, following Hritik Kabra’s move to Boston to attend graduate school, his laptop broke just weeks into the semester. A quick online search led him to the Boston Public Library, where he borrowed a Connectivity Kit until his replacement arrived. “It was a lifesaver for a month while I was getting adjusted to a new city,” Kabra said.

“Connectivity, coupled with digital literacy, is a prerequisite to full participation in contemporary society, evidenced by the fact that Connectivity Kits are one of the most in-demand resources at BPL,” said Keith Gillette, Chief Technology Officer at Boston Public Library. “Comcast’s generous support helps us to meet these urgent and ongoing community needs.”

“In today’s world, connectivity and digital skills are essential to realizing unlimited possibilities,” said Carolyne Hannan, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s New England Region. “We’re proud to partner with the Boston Public Library to expand digital opportunities and help ensure residents have the tools they need to thrive in a digital society.”

This grant from Comcast is part of Project UP, Comcast’s comprehensive $1 billion initiative to connect people to the Internet, provide digital opportunity and build a future of unlimited possibilities. Comcast is deeply committed to advancing digital opportunity in the communities it serves. This commitment includes programs such as Internet Essentials, Lift Zones and Digital Navigators. Since its inception in 2011, Comcast’s Internet Essentials has connected more than 801,000 low-income Massachusetts residents to broadband service at home. Additionally, Comcast has launched 77 Lift Zones in Massachusetts to provide free, high-speed WiFi and digital skills training at local community centers to promote digital learning. Comcast also has 12 Digital Navigator programs throughout Massachusetts.

For additional information on Project UP and our community impact initiatives, visit: https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/project-up.

For more information about the BPL’s Connectivity Kit program or to reserve a kit, please visit bpl.org.