In 2020, Comcast launched Lift Zones, an extension of the company’s Project UP $1B digital equity initiative, which was designed to help community centers navigate online learning with Internet access and digital resources. Since its inception, Lift Zones have become safe spaces where communities can learn digital skills and pursue academic, professional, and personal advancement. As of October 2022, Comcast has teamed up with nonprofit partners and city leaders to launch more than 1,250 WiFi-connected Lift Zones nationwide. In Tennessee, one such community partner is Conexión Américas.
Since its founding in 2002, Conexión Américas, a nonprofit based in Nashville, Tennessee, works relentlessly towards its mission of building a welcoming community and creating opportunities where Latino families can belong, contribute, and succeed. Becoming home to a Comcast Lift Zone is part of their journey to meeting this mission. With the assistance of its Lift Zone, the organization offers a diverse range of programs focused on school success, economic opportunity, and civic engagement. Conexión Américas continues to be a pillar of support for Latinos in Nashville and its neighboring areas.
“Conexión Américas addresses the needs of the community and continues to be a catalyst for breaking down barriers and empowering Latinos to achieve their dreams to the fullest,” said Tara Lentz, Co-Executive Director of Conexión Américas. “Thanks to this initiative, we have been able to conduct numerous training sessions, leveraging the Lift Zone’s technology and connectivity.”
To establish this Lift Zone, Comcast donated computer equipment and provides reliable WiFi, powered by Comcast Business. Since its launch in 2022, the Lift Zone at Conexión Américas has become a digital access and learning resource for more than 9,000 individuals and families every year. “We have offered digital literacy classes and facilitated job search workshops, equipping individuals with skills on internet navigation and using online resources to advance their careers,” said Lentz.
“We are committed to making the world more connected and accessible,” said Comcast Government Affairs Director Kim Sasser Hayden. “Conexión Américas is doing important work in Nashville and we’re honored to partner with them.”
Impact on Education
The Lift Zone at Conexión Américas has increased communication and collaboration between staff and students. “The Lift Zone has been very useful during important tasks like assisting students with completing applications for educational financial aid through the FAFSA portal and ensuring that students can access the necessary resources and support without any disruptions,” said Lentz.
With the help of reliable, safe, and free Internet, Conexión Américas confidently provides the Nashville Latino community an enriching educational experience, helping to bridge the digital divide. “Thanks to the Lift Zone, we were able to provide one of our Escalera college students with reliable internet access,” say Lentz. “This access allowed him to complete the test successfully and achieve a good grade.”
Beyond students, the organization has been able to support families and parents of students who need guidance in navigating portals and programs to help them better understand the local school system.
Expanding Digital Skills
“Participants have learned various skills through our Lift Zone computer classes, including email creation, social media account setup, safe internet navigation, and online document creation,” says Lentz. “Our workforce development program also covers effective job searches and online application completion.”
Facilitating Internet access for community members in underserved areas ensures access to essential resources, job opportunities, and connections with both local and global communities. “This not only empowers previously disconnected communities to benefit from online and digital advantages but also enables them to contribute their knowledge, expertise, and experiences to the wider world,” said Lentz. “It allows individuals to keep pace with the modern digital world and navigate daily life on a more equitable basis.”
With reliable internet access and technology, Conexión Américas continues to empower individuals with knowledge and open new avenues for growth and success. Learn more about Conexión Américas at https://www.conexionamericas.org/. For more information about Comcast’s commitment to closing the digital divide, including finding your nearest Lift Zone, please visit: https://corporate.comcast.com/impact/digital-equity/lift-zones
