(Atlanta, GA): September 22, 2021 – Comcast today announced the launch of the Finish Strong Learning Pod Lift Zone at Siloam Church International to support low-income third through eighth grade students impacted by the global pandemic. The pod is the culmination of an innovative partnership with the City of South Fulton to facilitate digital literacy and academic achievement.
The Finish Strong Learning Pod is a Comcast Lift Zone, which provides internet connectivity at community centers and other public facilities, allowing students to get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework. Lift Zones also benefit adults, connecting them to online education, job searches, healthcare information and public assistance.
“The pandemic has presented significant internet connectivity challenges for families and students that Comcast has worked hard to address,” said Jason Gumbs, Regional Senior Vice President at Comcast. “We are thrilled to announce the Finish Strong Learning Pod as a safe place for South Fulton students to succeed, and we thank our community partners for their support.”
“Many children are suffering academically because of situations beyond their control,” said District 3 City Councilwoman Helen Zenobia Willis, who led efforts on behalf of the city to create the program. “We have come together as community partners to ensure students in the city have access to valuable learning opportunities.”
The Finish Strong Learning Pod Lift Zone is located at Siloam Church International’s youth center at 3695 Roosevelt Highway and is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30-7 p.m.
In 2020, Comcast announced a multiyear program to launch more than 1,000 Xfinity WiFi-connected Lift Zones in community centers nationwide as part of the company’s Internet Essentials initiative. This effort is part of Comcast’s commitment to investing $1 billion over the next ten years to reach 50 million low-income Americans to help them fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy.
