New Latino Digital Equity Centers initiative to support digital skills training and help prepare Latinos for the workforce of tomorrow
The Latin American Association today announced that it has been selected as one of 20 Latino-led and serving nonprofit organizations nationwide to receive a $30,000 grant from the Hispanic Federation (HF) in partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal to enhance and expand its digital workforce training activities. The award is a part of the Hispanic Federation’s and Comcast’s new Latino Digital Equity Centers initiative which is a national effort to strengthen institutions serving the Latino community with workforce development and digital training programs.
With the funds, the Latin American Association will receive a first-of-its-kind training program known as the Digital Accelerator, designed for Latino-led nonprofits to strengthen their organizational capacity, programmatic offerings, and reach in the digital workforce development space. In addition, the organizations will offer a Digital Career Center that provides both online and in-person trainings to community members seeking to increase their digital skills and get connected to employment opportunities that leverage those skills.
Comcast has a long history of helping connect or support Atlanta area residents and businesses. Since the launch of Internet Essentials 10 years ago, nearly 760,000 low-income Georgians have connected to the power of the internet. In addition, the Comcast RISE program has benefited over 200 small businesses across the state, with technology makeovers, grants and marketing services.
“Everyone should have the opportunity to participate in today’s increasingly digital economy. Bridging the digital divide that disproportionately impacts Latinos is key to creating economic opportunity in the Latino community and a more equitable society,” said Frankie Miranda, President and CEO of the Hispanic Federation. “We’re excited to partner with Comcast to equip Latinos with the skills they need to thrive in the workforce of tomorrow.”
“Digital literacy is a necessary skill for Latinos on the career pathway to middle and high skills jobs,” said Monica Cucalon, Managing Director of Economic Empowerment for the Latin American Association. “Investing in training and support for Latino job seekers will drive economic mobility and equity. We are very excited to partner with the Hispanic Federation and Comcast on this great initiative.”
Over the next decade, 50% of tasks across all industries are expected to go digital, eliminating as many as 39 million jobs—and by 2030, at least two-thirds of jobs will require some level of digital skills. Latino workers are 14% of overall workers but represent 35% of workers with no digital skills and 20% of those with limited digital skills.
“We are proud to partner with the Latin American Association and the Hispanic Federation on this exciting announcement,” said Jason Gumbs, Comcast Regional SVP in Atlanta. “Today’s news is another important step toward bridging the digital divide at a critical time.”
Because Latino workers tend to work in less digital-facing fields, they are at higher risk for future under- and unemployment. Nationwide, the initiative will train 6,000 Latinos over the next year.
In selecting grantees for the Latino Digital Equity Centers Program, Hispanic Federation prioritized Latino-led and serving 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with a demonstrated track record providing workforce development to Latino communities and commitment to enhance or expand a digital skills training program.
This program builds on Comcast’s long-term commitment to advance digital equity through Internet Essentials and now the Affordable Connectivity Program. Comcast introduced two new ways for customers to connect through ACP, and both are available to any customer who qualifies in all the company’s service areas. Customers can sign up for Internet Essentials Plus, which includes 100 Mbps download speeds, a cable modem, and a WiFi router, and is free after the government’s ACP credit is applied. Additionally, Xfinity Internet customers participating in ACP now can also add mobile service through Xfinity Mobile.
Comcast NBCUniversal’s partnership with the Hispanic Federation is part of Project UP, the company’s comprehensive initiative to advance digital equity and help build a future of unlimited possibilities.
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About Latin American Association
The mission of the Latin American Association (LAA) is to empower Latinos to adapt, integrate and thrive. Our vision is ‘Opportunity for All.’ Founded in 1972, the LAA has grown over the past four decades to become the region’s leading agency representing Georgia’s Latino issues. The LAA offers a targeted menu of direct services that helps Latino individuals assimilate and become contributing members of Georgia’s community. The LAA achieves its mission through five (5) focus areas: Civic Engagement & Advocacy, Economic Empowerment, Youth Services, Family Stabilization & Well-Being, and Immigration Services. Each focus area includes a targeted menu of direct services, large-scale events and advocacy to realize significant community impact and affect systems level change.
About Hispanic Federation
The Hispanic Federation (HF) is a nonprofit membership and advocacy organization, founded in 1990, with a mission to empower and advance the Hispanic community and a focus on low-income, marginalized and immigrant Latinos. With offices in New York, Connecticut, Washington, D.C, North Carolina, Florida, Puerto Rico, and additional programs in 37 states, its program focus areas include immigration, economic empowerment, civic engagement, disaster relief, philanthropy, education, health, and the environment. HF also maintains ongoing public education campaigns and meets the organizational development needs of its member agencies through grant-making and capacity-building assistance.
About Comcast Corporation
Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on connectivity, aggregation, and streaming with 57 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.
