PHILADELPHIA, PA — Comcast announced the expansion of its nationwide Lift Zones initiative with five new Flagship locations opening this fall in Chicago, Washington, D.C., Philadelphia, St. Paul, and Federal Way, Washington. The expansion aims to increase access to free WiFi, advanced technology, and workforce training in underserved neighborhoods across the country.
The Lift Zones program, supported by a $50 million cash and in-kind investment, is part of Comcast’s broader effort to bridge the digital divide. The company plans to open five additional Flagship sites by the end of 2026, including new locations in Pennsylvania and Florida. These build upon successful sites launched in 2024 in Atlanta, Houston, and Oakland.
“We’re not just building networks – we’re building pathways to opportunity,” said Dalila Wilson-Scott, Executive Vice President and Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer at Comcast Corporation and President of the Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation. “Our $50 million Lift Zones commitment enables more people to access the internet and the tools they need to succeed – whether that’s applying for a job, attending a virtual class, or launching a business – we’re creating a future where everyone can participate in today’s digital economy.”
Each Flagship Lift Zone, powered by Comcast Business, includes technology upgrades, digital literacy programs, dedicated grant funding for local initiatives, and on-site Digital Navigators who help residents with devices, connectivity, and skill development. Every site will also feature free high-speed Xfinity 6GHz WiFi, offering multi-gig speeds and the capacity to connect hundreds of devices simultaneously.
The newest Flagship Lift Zone opens October 1 at Building Bridges Across the River at TheARC in Washington, D.C. The site will expand workforce development programs and extend Comcast’s $1 million partnership with the 11th Street Bridge Park, a joint initiative with the District Department of Transportation.
Other Flagship sites opening this fall include:
- Chicago, IL: Aspire Center for Workforce Innovation in the Austin neighborhood, a 76,000-square-foot hub for workforce training and economic empowerment.
- Philadelphia, PA: Opportunities Industrialization Center, Inc. (OIC), supporting job training in healthcare, hospitality, and digital media.
- St. Paul, MN: Hmong American Partnership, enhancing job skills and employment services in healthcare and IT.
- Federal Way, WA: El Centro De La Raza, focusing on bilingual education, small business support, and digital skills training.
The Lift Zones are part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to expand internet access, foster digital opportunity, and support economic mobility through partnerships and programs across Comcast, NBCUniversal, and Sky.
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