2024: Celebrating an Incredible Year of Progress and Impact!

What a year! In 2024, Comcast Texas made remarkable strides in advancing digital equity through its Project UP initiative. The tech leader’s Impact and Inclusion team focused on providing underprivileged communities with essential digital resources and education, helping bridge the digital divide and connecting communities to the power of the Internet.

$1 Million Commitment Fulfilled

Last year, Comcast Texas announced a $1 million commitment to shrink the local digital divide by supporting organizations and programs that help people connect to the Internet, learn digital skills, and climb the economic ladder. That commitment was fulfilled, laying the groundwork for many Project UP initiatives to grow and thrive.

“Through collaboration and partnership, we were able to make a great impact in 2024 —opening doors to new opportunities, connecting individuals to the power of the internet and helping create pathways for growth that will empower the community we are proud to be part of,” said Misha McClure, Director of External Affairs, Comcast Texas.

Foundation Grants and Community Support

In 2024, Comcast awarded:

• $608,000 in foundation grants to local nonprofits to support connectivity and adoption, skills and creativity, and entrepreneurial programming
• $168,500 to support community organizations in rural areas, helping bridge the digital skills divide and supporting sponsorships that brought communities together
• $100,000 to community organizations to further their reach and resources for small businesses
• $500,000 in disaster relief funds
• $500,000 in grants to small businesses through Comcast RISE

Increasing Awareness and Adoption of Low-Cost or Free Internet

The Internet Essentials program has helped reduce digital challenges by bringing affordable, high-speed Internet, access to low-cost devices, and free digital skills training to more than 10 million low-income Americans since 2011. In 2024, the program connected 172,000 Texans to affordable, high-speed Internet.

Digital Navigators Create Local Impact

Comcast’s Digital Navigator program, which launched in 2022, has grown significantly. In 2024, it supported organizations like Camara de Empresarios to connect with the Hispanic community in consulates across southeast Texas. This partnership provided access to digital training at four General Latin Consulates across the Greater Houston area, helping participants acquire essential skills in internet navigation, cybersecurity awareness, and online safety.

Community Events and Lift Zones

This year, the Impact and Inclusion team supported 75 community events promoting connectivity across Texas. There are now 54 Lift Zones in the Texas Region, providing free WiFi access along with digital literacy programs and workforce development resources.

Team UP Initiative

Team UP is a company-wide program providing year-round opportunities for Comcast employees to make a difference in local communities. Team UP projects offer flexible, always-on programming that provides an outlet for employees to take part in Project UP. Last year, more than 1,000 employees participated in volunteer activities that supported 28 local non-profit organizations.

Disaster Response

When the community needed it most, Comcast Texas stepped up in a big way. The team donated $500,000 towards disaster recovery efforts during the Derecho Storm, along with devices, pallets of water, and manpower to put together disaster relief kits. Additionally, $50,000 in funding supported the Houston Food Bank during Hurricane Beryl and an Xfinity WiFi van was deployed to areas hit hardest.

Comcast RISE

This year in southeast Texas, Comcast RISE gave 100 local small businesses a total of $500,000 in grants along with technology makeovers, marketing assistance, coaching sessions, and education resources. Houston was one of only five cities in the nation chosen for the program this year.

Looking Forward to an Even Brighter Future!

Through these initiatives, Comcast Texas continues to make a positive impact on local communities, helping to create a more equitable society and a brighter future for all. Stay tuned for updates because the team has big plans for 2025. Here’s to another year of incredible achievements and making a difference together!