Children in more than 4,000 school districts in 39 states and Washington, D.C., who come from low-income families, will join the digital age. All thanks to Comcast, the nation’s largest Internet service provider, for spearheading a comprehensive broadband adoption initiative titled Internet Essentials, which aims to eliminate the barriers to the benefits of being able to connect to the Internet at home. Research pinpoints the barriers as a lack of understanding of how the Internet is relevant and useful and the costs of a home computer and the Internet.
“The Internet has the potential to be a great equalizer and a life-changing technology,” offers David L. Cohen, executive vice president of the Comcast Corporation. He also points out that the program “will help level the playing field for low-income families.”
Internet Essentials benefits families with children who participate in the National School Lunch Program.
Cohen continues, “[Internet Essentials will connect] students online with their teachers and their school’s educational resources as well as [enable] parents to receive digital literacy training so they can do things like apply for jobs online or use the Internet to learn more about health care and government services available where they live.”
The package includes a low-cost Internet service for $9.95 per month (plus applicable sales tax), a low-cost computer voucher to purchase a computer ($149.99 plus tax), and access to free Norton Security Suite online safety software and digital literacy training in print, online or in-person.
Comcast is asking for help from parents, educators, community leaders and other government officials to join in this effort, spread the word and help increase broadband adoption. They are accepting new program participants through the end of 2013-14 school year.
–yvette caslin
For general information about Internet Essentials, visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1 (855) 765-6995.
