Comcast’s Internet Essentials Program Is Helping Families Get Connected

_{This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Comcast.}

In a world where talent is distributed evenly and opportunity is not, we share the responsibility of helping those who aren’t as fortunate. Just think if the person who has what it takes to cure cancer cannot do it because the basic essentials are not available to him or her. A terrifying thought, right? Not that helping the less fortunate should only be done for selfish reasons, but it is in all of our best interests to make sure that everyone in our communities are fed, educated and healthy.

Comcast is helping low income families by bridging the digital divide with their Internet Essentials program. This program provides low cost internet – only $9.95 a month plus tax – to those who qualify. A handful of fellow bloggers and I recently attended an informative luncheon at the Wells Fargo Center with David L. Cohen, Comcast’s Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer. “This program has had an enormous impact on millions of families and children who now have high-speed Internet at home, many for the first time in their lives,” said Cohen.

The program was recently expanded further to those who serve our country. “We’re excited to extend that same opportunity to more than one million, low-income veterans.  Veterans have stood up for our country; now it’s time for us to stand up for them by providing access to life-changing digital tools and resources.” He went on to explain that vets face many challenges as do other low income families and that a lack of necessary access to the internet is a common denominator between the two.

Also in attendance were U.S. Olympic Gold Medalists Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando, who were recently named as ambassadors and spokespeople for the company’s corporate values initiatives. When asked why they were interested in becoming involved with Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, the sisters who are also twins explained that growing up in their home with four older brothers had its challenges. More specifically, there were many fights over their single computer. Monique asked, “How can you expect a child to be able to compete without [proper accesses to] the internet?”

Jocelyne and Monique will join Cohen on a multi-city tour to visit local communities and raise awareness about the Internet Essentials program. In fact, they recently spent time in Philadelphia where they surprised six veterans with free  computers and “opportunity cards” which provide 6 months of free service. Be sure to make your school and PTA aware of Internet Essentials so we can ensure that all children have equal access to the internet.