Jo Ethel Campbell had no desire to ever learn anything about the internet. As an elderly woman, there was just too much she didn’t understand. However, the Houstonian quickly discovered that to exist in America today, she needed to have digital skills. So she turned to SERJobs’ Workforce Resource and Training Center in Houston’s East End to help her out.
“I’m a very independent person. I get tired of asking people, can you show me how to do this? So I took it upon myself to go to this class that they had and I enjoyed it,” Campbell said. “And every time somebody says class, I go again. I’m just overwhelmed with knowledge of what the computer can do. You can make doctor’s appointments on them, talk to the pharmacist. It’s just a whole lot of stuff that I was afraid of when they say computer, but now I’m very comfortable with it.”
Stories like Campbell’s are exactly why Comcast introduced its second Flagship Lift Zone in Houston. Designed to bridge the digital divide, this initiative includes a $500,000 grant to upgrade technology and expand programming, aiming to enhance digital and technical skills for thousands in the community.
The newly revamped Flagship Lift Zone, powered by Comcast Business, marks the first of its kind in Texas and joins a network of 54 Lift Zones across Houston.
“Lift Zones are about more than just providing free access to the Internet. They are about teaching people how to use the power of broadband to transform their lives and careers,” said Loren Hudson, Senior Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, Connectivity and Platforms at Comcast. “With this Flagship Lift Zone, SERJobs is set to make an even greater impact, helping thousands of Houstonians seize new opportunities.”
A comprehensive tech overhaul
The Flagship Lift Zone features:
- 48 new computers (38 desktops and 10 laptops).
- Privacy pods for virtual job interviews, certification work, and meetings.
- Upgraded audio-visual equipment for training and conferences.
- Enhanced Wi-Fi access with additional seating.
- Refreshed conference rooms, tech labs, training spaces, and breakrooms.
This investment builds on Comcast’s decade-long partnership with SERJobs, including over 1,000 donated laptops and tens of thousands of dollars in grants to expand digital training opportunities.
Transforming Lives through Digital Equity
Sheroo Mukhtiar, CEO of SERJobs, highlighted the profound community impact of this initiative. “By providing access to essential digital literacy resources, this Lift Zone empowers individuals to thrive in the digital age and opens doors to workforce development and economic opportunities. Together, we can create a more inclusive and empowered community.”
Over the past three years, Comcast Texas has contributed over $3 million in cash and in-kind support to over 60 Houston-area nonprofits, advancing its Digital Equity Network. This network equips individuals with the tools and skills to access better careers and explore opportunities in technology-related fields. Comcast’s network of digital equity partners helps people acquire computers, provides digital skills training, and offers opportunities for community members to explore and train for careers in tech-related fields. They can also develop the kinds of digital skills that can help them pursue better careers and even launch and grow their businesses.
A broader commitment: Project UP
Comcast’s Lift Zones are part of Project UP, a $1 billion initiative to expand digital equity and opportunity nationwide. Since 2020, more than 1,250 Lift Zones have provided essential internet access and skills training across the U.S., complementing Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which delivers low-cost broadband to qualifying households.
For more information, visit www.comcastcorporation.com and www.serjobs.org.
This story is part of the Digital Equity Local Voices Fellowship Lab. The Lab initiative is made possible with support from Comcast NBCUniversal.
