‘Must-Have’ Tech Tools Unlock The Future for Rural Communities

A rural community in Greater Houston now has an arsenal of critical tech tools needed to thrive in today’s digital economy – 100 laptop computers. 

Eleven Brazoria County non-profit organizations were surprised with the laptops Monday by Comcast Texas and the United Way of Brazoria County.

From workforce training to online learning, each organization will use the new laptops to help shrink the digital divide in ways that uniquely serve their communities. In the Houston area, the digital divide impacts one in 10 households, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Communities Survey. 

One of the organizations that received the new laptops was the Brazoria County Salvation Army.

“We have a shelter in Brazoria County,” Brazoria County Salvation Army Social Services Director, Judy King said. “These laptops will be going there to help people with things like job applications, and each laptop will go into the family rooms so children can do their homework.”

The laptops will be utilized by other organizations to help people complete high school classes and gain workforce skills. Others will use them to implement wellness education programs.

Along with the laptop giveaway, Comcast Texas also announced it will invest $10,000 in the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County and Communities in Schools of Brazoria County to further empower, serve and support area youth. Comcast Texas will also invest $1,000 in the Angleton ISD Education Foundation, supporting their efforts to provide resources to help people stay connected.

“Having access to the Internet is important and powerful,” Misha McClure Director of External Affairs for Comcast Texas said. “We know that you can grow and thrive in today’s digital economy by being able to go online. Do things like fill out a job application or for students to do their homework. Connections are made online, so it’s critical that we all have access.”

Just last month, Comcast Texas announced the activation of a multi-million dollar network in the city of Angleton. The company continues to look at ways to reach and expand opportunity in other rural communities.

The following organizations received new laptops:

• Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County
• Hand in Hand Child Development
• Brazoria County Salvation Army
• Brazosport Cares Food Pantry
• Brazoria County Dream Center
• ADAPT Foundation
• Communities In Schools of Brazoria County
• Adult Education Center
• Brazoria County Association for Children’s Habilitation
• Women’s Center Of Brazoria County West
• United Way of Brazoria County (UWBC)
• Angelton ISD Education Foundation