Tech Leader Celebrates Digital Inclusion Week with Surprise Investments

Hold on to your hats, Texans. This week is going to be BIG! Several local organizations will receive hundreds of high-tech surprises and major investments as a part of this year’s Digital Inclusion Week, October 7-11. The week-long celebration raises awareness about the need for digital skills training, community resources and impactful partnerships to ensure everyone has the opportunity to thrive in the digital world.

MONDAY, OCT. 7, 2024: You’re Live, Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County!

Digital Inclusion Week kicked off with the announcement of Kidcast, a new student-led podcast created by the Boys & Girls Club of Brazoria County made possible by a $105,000 investment from Comcast. The Kidcast program is a dynamic, project-based initiative that will allow BGCBC members to host and produce their own podcasts, offering entertaining and informative content about topics of interest and events in the Brazoria County area.

This innovative program not only provides a platform for students to share their stories and perspectives but also equips them with valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication, and multi-modal learning experiences. Four full production set-ups will rotate through 24 sites all over Brazoria County, from Pearland to Alvin and Surfside.

The very first Kidcast podcast featured elementary school students interviewing Angleton ISD Assistant Superintendent Robert Munoz. The hosts asked questions about why Munoz chose a career in education, his advice for students and his favorite cafeteria meal (baked chicken, by the way!).

“We are incredibly grateful to Comcast for their support in launching the Kidcast program,” Amber Newman, Executive Director of BGCBC, said. “This initiative will have a significant impact on the educational and personal development of our members, giving them the opportunity to learn valuable skills and express their creativity. We believe this program will touch the lives of over 1,000 youth across Brazoria County, helping them become responsible, caring citizens ready to enter the workforce.”

Starting this fall and continuing into 2025, each BGCBC site will produce a 30-minute weekly podcast. The program will also offer paid internship opportunities for high school juniors and seniors. These interns will gain hands-on experience by conducting interviews at district sports and academic events, providing local teens with a safe and constructive environment to learn about technology and media production.

“Every child deserves a chance to participate and thrive in the digital world,” Misha McClure, Comcast Texas’ Director of External Affairs, said. “You can’t do that without the resources and skills to use the Internet.  This impactful partnership with The Boys and Girls Clubs of Brazoria County will ensure that students from all backgrounds can connect with technology in a tangible way that will open future doors and opportunities.”

Brazoria County Dream Center

The Comcast team kept the surprises coming in Brazoria County with a ribbon cutting at the newest Lift Zone at the Brazoria County Dream Center. Now along with getting food, medical and housing support, residents can also access free and fast WiFi in a safe location.

TUESDAY, OCT. 8, 2024: Laptop Surprise on the STEAM bus!

Students at the new Austin Elementary School had an exciting morning when the Comcast team rolled in with Galveston ISD‘s STEAM bus. The technology leader surprised the students with 100 new laptops to ensure they are connected and thriving in the digital world.

The STEAM bus travels around Galveston ISD’s footprint taking science, math, engineering, technology and arts programs straight to the schools with interactive and engaging lessons. The 100 laptops donated by Comcast will support all students at Austin Elementary and will be used to further digital literacy skills and training.

The investment was made in partnership with United Way of Galveston County, which supports the health, education and financial security of neighbors in all parts of its communities.

WEDNESDAY, OCT. 9, 2024: Hispanic Heritage Month Appreciation Luncheon

Mariachis and mingling took the spotlight on Wednesday!

In partnership with Telemundo Houston, Comcast hosted an appreciation luncheon honoring 13 Hispanic-serving organizations supported by funding under the tech leader’s Project UP initiative to advance digital equity.

Community partners were recognized for their impactful work in digital skills, navigation and equity efforts. Those partners were Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans, AVANCE Houston, Mexican Institute of Greater Houston, Latinos for Education, Power on Heels Fund, Inc., The Courage to Bee, Tejano Center and Latino Startup Alliance. Chamber partner honorees were Houston Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Houston East End Chamber of Commerce, Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Montgomery County Hispanic Chamber and Camara de Empresarios Latino.

Telemundo’s evening news anchor Crystal Ayala emceed the luncheon. Ayala paid tribute to Comcast NBCUniversal’s company-wide campaign, “Celebrating All That We Are (Celebrando Todo Lo Que Somos)” which honors the multi-layered and richly complex identities found within Hispanic and Latino communities. Patagonia Grill provided a stunning and festive setting for partners to network and recognize each other’s contributions.

FRIDAY, OCT. 11, 2024: Supporting the Arts

Comcast awarded an $18,500 grant to the Edison Arts Foundation to support its Digital Resource Lab. This investment will help students in after-school and summer programs complete their homework and have personalized learning with state-of-the-art laptops, collaboratively work with home school instructors, and creatively and digitally contribute to the arts programs.

Conroe ISD Scholarship Surprise

In one final surprise of the week, Comcast Texas presented a $2500 check to support the Friends of Conroe scholarship program for Conroe ISD. This funding will provide technology scholarships for students. The surprise was announced at the Cajun Catfish Festival.

A Week of Surprises

Thank you to our many partners and community advocates for helping make 2024’s Digital Inclusion Week a huge success!