Officials and community members joined Comcast representatives for a discussion on digital equity and economic development in Michigan City.
Michigan City Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch, Michigan City Area Schools Superintendent Dr. Wendel McCollum and Indiana Broadband Office Deputy Broadband Program Director Latasha Hayes joined national and local Comcast leaders Nov. 19 at Elston Middle School.
The discussion included the impact and implementation of Michigan City’s $75,000 Talent for Tomorrow: Digital Equity Challenge grant award. The grant is part of a joint initiative between the U.S. Conference of Mayors and Comcast. It aims to support local workforce programs and close the digital skills gap. The initiative will also help advance economic mobility and build generational wealth in under-resourced communities. The grant is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to advance digital equity.
Michigan City is one of four cities to receive the award. The funding will be used to expand the Michigan City Area Schools Digital Revitalization Initiative. The initiative aims to increase access to local workforce training programs to grow readiness for college and careers.
“Michigan City understands the role digital equity plays in unlocking economic mobility and workforce opportunities,” said Broderick Johnson, Comcast executive vice president, public policy & digital equity, in a press release.
Johnson congratulated Michigan City on its grant award that could help more residents enter the digital economy.
“Our partnership with Michigan City Area Schools has the ability to provide new workforce and economic development opportunities for many Michigan City parents and families,” Nelson Deuitch said. “Thank you to Comcast and the U.S. Conference of Mayors for their support of our city’s future.”
Hayes said household internet access is critical – from education to health care to job advancement and quality of life. Hayes highlighted the importance of collaborate partnerships fto thrive in the digital world and to ensure internet accessibility for all.
“For more than a decade, Comcast has been focused on bridging the digital divide in Michigan City and other locations across our footprint nationally,” Chris Smith, Comcast regional senior vice president, said. “We are proud to be part of the fabric of Michigan City and to play a role in its economic future.”
