COLORADO, USA — Twenty locations across the Denver metro area will be equipped with WiFi-connected "lift zones" by the end of the year, state and local leaders announced Tuesday.
Working with its network of nonprofit partners, Comcast is providing WiFi coverage at spaces like parks and recreation centers, Boys & Girls Clubs, Girls Inc. and other non-profit and community centers.
The move is expected to help thousands of low-income students get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework when sites reopen and it’s safe to gather in a socially distanced manner.
“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, students without access to broadband and computers experienced a homework gap that posed barriers to educational opportunity," said Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. "Now, students need access to simply participate in the remote learning environment. Access is just one piece of bridging the digital divide. Knowing what to do online, how to do it safely, and how to protect children and families from online fraud and abuse is of utmost importance, and I am proud to partner with Comcast on these efforts.”
Lift Zones sites are also being installed in communities throughout the Front Range, as well as statewide in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Pueblo. The initiative provides free connectivity inside partner community centers for the next three years.
"Giving students a safe place at City of Aurora recreation centers to access the WiFi they need is essential for ensuring Aurora's kids continue to learn despite the pandemic," said Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman. "We are grateful to Comcast for partnering with us on this valuable service to the community."
In addition to the Lift Zone sites, Comcast and Weiser also announced grants and resources valued at $150,000 to better support internet safety and digital literacy programs in Colorado.
Grants were awarded to the following organizations:
- Community Computer Connection (C3):
- $25,000 to help them acquire technology resources needed by schools, nonprofits, and individuals
- 200 laptops for them to distribute to non-profits, schools and lower-income communities
- $25,000 to Denver Public Schools Foundation to help DPS technology education leaders provide internet safety programming and resources at school locations and at Denver Comcast Lift Zone locations such as Boys & Girls Clubs, Girls Inc., and City of Denver Parks & Rec centers
- $25,000 to Aurora Public Schools Foundation to support APS technology education leaders in providing online safety programming and resources at APS school locations and at Aurora Comcast Lift Zone locations including City of Aurora recreation centers
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