Success on a football field starts with gearing up. Players must put on a helmet, throw in a mouth guard and strap on pads. The equipment is key. To thrive in the digital age, success depends on connectivity and requires devices. The Houston Texans recently joined Comcast Texas to make a surprise announcement – investing a total of $25,000 in the United Way of Greater Houston’s 211 HELPLINE, the Chinese Community Center, MECA and U.S. Dream Academy – Hartsfield Elementary. To celebrate, the Texans team mascot Toro along with some famous faces surprised the non-profits. Take a look.
Consider the investment a digital touchdown. The financial contributions help the organizations in their ongoing efforts to expand Internet access by allowing them to purchase much-needed technology. NFL legend Wade Smith joined the celebration and talked about the importance of Comcast and the Texans’ support.
“We know that inefficient technology can hinder students and make students reluctant to use a computer lab,” Smith said. “It means a lot to us that we can provide this funding to help aid in their success.”
The digital divide is a reality for children and families across southeast Texas. The term refers to the gap between those with Internet access and those without it. Armando Silva serves as MECA’s Development Director. He sees the digital divide everyday. Simply put, many kids go without.
“Many of our students haven’t had access to a computer. They don’t own one at home. They only get to touch them when they’re at school and if they’re in the right classes,” Silva explained. “We’re going to get the students acquainted with the machinery, the techniques to best type, the best way to research and really give them tools and resources through the Internet and technology.”
Texans players Eric Murray and Jalen Pitre also stopped by for the surprise. They alongside Texans cheerleaders Kennedy Thompson and Francesa Cuello spoke with students about the power of the Internet. KPRC Channel 2 News shared the exciting news with their viewers.
This is not the first power play from the Houston Texans and Comcast Texas. Over the past two years, the two together awarded more than $60,000 of grants to local nonprofits to help close the digital divide.
This month’s investment is the latest example of Comcast Texas’ million dollar news. This summer, Comcast pledged to invest more than than one million dollars to local organizations in Greater Houston that help students, adults and people with disabilities ‘level up’ their computer, career development and tech education skills. Comcast’s commitment to a more connected future for everyone – no matter their life story – continues.
