Internet Essentials: Virtual Impact Summits

In 2020, Comcast’s Internet Essentials launched Impact summits, a series of national and regional virtual convenings, bringing thought leaders, public officials, subject matter experts, and nonprofit partners together to discuss digital equity and the challenges related to COVID-19. This year’s summits focused on best practices for communities across the country such as K-12 education, veterans, telemedicine, and seniors. We plan to continue in 2021 with events that explore our efforts bridging the digital divide in education as well as in other areas including online safety and workforce development.

In case you missed it, check out the Internet Essentials 2020 Impact Series Summit recaps.

Impact on Education National Summit

The first in a series of virtual convenings, this summit focused on best practices for communities across the country to ensure every student, teacher, and school has the tools necessary to create a high-quality online learning experience.

Host Welcome + Executive Remarks from Dana Strong

Oct 15, 2020
The Importance of Getting Students Connected to the Internet During COVID-19 with Karima Zedan + Evan Marwell

Oct 15, 2020
Tackling Our Biggest Challenges with Former Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter

Oct 15, 2020
Barriers to Digital Adoption in Urban America, a Discussion with Leading Digital Equity Advocates

Oct 15, 2020
Panel - Known Unknowns: What Must We Learn to Make Sure Every Student is Connected?

Oct 15, 2020
Closing Remarks from David L. Cohen

Oct 15, 2020

Internet Essentials 2020 Impact Series

Around Veteran’s Day, Comcast partnered with local officials as well as nonprofits in the Western New England region, to honor the region’s veterans and to raise awareness of the impact the digital divide has on them. As part of the event, Comcast also announced several donations worth nearly $220,000 to support digital inclusion efforts for veterans across the footprint.

In Colorado, Comcast hosted a virtual event to announce they’re equipping more than 20 different locations in the Denver Metro Area called “Lift Zones” with free, robust WiFi connectivity by the end of 2020. These sites provide students with a safe, clean space to participate in distance learning during the day or to do homework before or after school. During the summit, attendees heard from several Colorado elected officials about the importance of digital equity and how through innovative public private partnerships, we can better serve people in our communities.

Comcast partnered on two individual events that support digital equity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Greater Boston area; the MA Association of School Committee (MASC)Members and the MA Association of School Superintendents (MASS). Comcast sponsored the keynote speaker for these events and also shared an important conversation between Mark Reilly, Senior Vice President of Government and Regulatory Relations, Comcast Northeast Division and former Shawsheen Tech Superintendent, Charlie Lyons, about digital equity in the education landscape.

In Minneapolis and St. Paul, Comcast partnered with local NBC affiliate, KARE 11, on a weeklong digital equity series on the technology landscape and digital divide that exists in our country. Comcast also announced plans to equip more than 20 different locations in the Twin Cities with WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” before the end of 2020 to help students get online, participate in distance learning and do their homework.

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee and dozens of community leaders joined Comcast for a statewide virtual summit to spotlight the critical need to connect more older adults to the internet and telehealth resources, particularly during the COVID 19 pandemic.