Digital Navigator Program Announced in Baltimore to Boost Internet Access
- By Kate Lucariello
- 09/20/23
With the help of a $150,000 grant from Comcast, the Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) has started the Digital Navigator program to train about a dozen CCBC students to help residents, including other CCBC students, to get online.
The focus will be on educating people about available resources to overcome barriers such as affordability, device access, and digital skills. The students will teach residents digital literacy and how to use devices. They will also educate residents about the government's Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides eligible households with a $30/month benefit toward their Internet bill.
Comcast said it also offers certain internet deals to help with free or affordable internet access. Visit this Internet Essentials page to learn more.
"We thank Comcast for their continued investment in our community and their commitment to driving innovative approaches to bridging the digital divide," said Sandra L. Kurtinitis, CCBC president. "A major impact of this partnership will be assuring that CCBC students are connected at home as well as on campus. Internet affordability should not be a barrier to academic and career-long success."
The Digital Navigator program is part of Project Up, Comcast's $1 billion commitment to assist digital equity, the company said. Comcast and Baltimore County earlier this year announced the latest phase of a rural broadband expansion to bring high-speed internet to 99% of previously unserved residences in Northern Baltimore County.
About the Author
Kate Lucariello is a former newspaper editor, EAST Lab high school teacher and college English teacher.