Comcast Awards $25,000 Grant to Ira Samelson Boys & Girls Club in Memphis
Comcast is proud to partner with the Ira Samelson Boys & Girls Club to advance digital access by providing support for a technology center upgrade.
Comcast partnered with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis to open the newly upgraded MyFuture Computer Lab, a space to encourage digital literacy amongst members of the club. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at the Ira Samelson Jr. Boys & Girls Club, featured Melinda Little, Comcast’s Vice President of Government Affairs, Brian Harris, Memphis’ Director of Youth Services and Gwendolyn Woods, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis.
Volunteers from Comcast’s national volunteer program, Team UP, played a key role in setting up the lab and distributing 100 backpacks filled with school supplies.
Comcast Investing into the Memphis Community
The day started with a brief ceremony announcing the Top 10 Internet Essentials Essay Awards winners before presenting a $25,000 foundation grant and cutting the ribbon to unveil the newly upgraded MyFuture Computer Lab.
“In April of 2024, I was the Chief Operating Officer for the Ira Samelson Boys and Girls Club, and I knew we needed a centralized location with updated technology for our children to maximize their full potential,” said Gwendolyn Woods, now CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Memphis. “I submitted a request for a Comcast Foundation technology grant for $25,000 to create the MyFuture Computer Lab at the Ira Samelson, Jr. Boys and Girls Club. Today is a dream realized. I am excited for our community and thankful to Comcast.”
Expanding Access to Digital Resources
“The MyFuture Computer Lab is a major step in showing Memphis’ youth the importance of technology and the possibilities that come from effectively using these tools,” said Brian Harris, Director of Memphis’ Office of Youth Services. “Elevating our youth is one of my primary goals and accomplishments like this make reaching that goal possible.”
“The MyFuture Computer Lab is a major step in showing Memphis’ youth the importance of technology and the possibilities that come from effectively using these tools.”
Brian Harris, Director of Memphis’ Office of Youth Services
Comcast has been a long-standing partner to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis for 25 years, partnering together to offer digital literacy programs and create opportunities for underserved communities. The Ira Samelson Jr. Boys & Girls Club, which serves over 400 youth from working-class families at or below the federal poverty level, has hosted Internet Essentials information sessions and events to connect residents to affordable Internet access.
Internet Essentials provides a low-cost Internet service, digital skills training and subsidized computers to eligible households.
“Our technology grants are a significant part of Comcast’s commitment to the communities we serve,” said Melinda Little, Vice-President of Government Affairs at Comcast. “As technology continues to evolve, having access to high-speed, reliable internet service remains necessary and Comcast will remain a leader in providing this service to our communities.”
As technology continues to evolve, having access to high-speed, reliable internet service remains necessary and Comcast will remain a leader in providing this service to our communities.”
Melinda Little, Vice-President of Government Affairs at Comcast
Comcast has been serving Memphis for nearly two decades under Project UP, a 10-year, $1 billion effort launched in 2021 to foster a future of unlimited possibilities. As part of this initiative, the Internet Essentials program has helped over 332,000 Memphis residents access the Internet at home since it began in 2011. Additionally, Comcast has established WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” at local community centers, providing safe spaces for students and families to engage in distance learning, complete homework, acquire digital skills, and search for employment.