Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County (BGCSC) and Comcast recognize the vital role that technology plays in enabling innovation, creativity and advancement of school age children. That is why we partnered to open a new Enhanced Lift Zone yesterday at the Snohomish Boys & Girls Club.
The Enhanced Lift Zone was made possible by a $65,000 contribution from Comcast, which is giving the club a technology upgrade and maximizing the free internet access provided by our Lift Zones program.
The new equipment includes 3D printers, interactive, lighting, teleconferencing with other clubs, STEAM kits, high powered desktop computers, for advanced programming and laptops for each student to use.
The Lift Zone includes a podcast studio for kids where young voices can explore creativity and technology. Equipped with professional-quality microphones, recording software, and soundproofing, allow children to create and share their own stories, interviews, and audio content. The studio not only nurtures storytelling skills but also helps develop technical expertise, boosting digital literacy in a fun and engaging environment.
Snohomish Mayor, Linda Redmon, joined the festivities and jumped in the podcast studio as well.
The Enhanced Lift Zone opening was part of a larger event celebrating the opening of the Enhanced Lift Zone and a new Teen Center at the Snohomish Boys & Girls Club which brought together members of the community for a celebration of the history of the club.
Lift Zones and Enhanced Lift Zones are part of Comcast’s commitment to closing Washington’s digital skill divide and advancing digital literacy among students. Since 2020, Comcast has worked with cities, community groups, and nonprofits to provide free Wi-Fi in almost 100 locations across Washington state.
“At Comcast, we also play an important role in closing Washington’s digital skills divide. Students need digital skills to succeed in school for several key reasons, including access to information, online learning and resources, critical thinking and problem solving, career readiness and much more,” said Carla Carrell, Sr. Director of External Affairs for the Comcast Pacific Northwest Region. “Comcast Lift Zones aim to address that need. They are a part of our ongoing commitment to help connect students connect to the power of the internet and build digital literacy.”
Comcast’s contributions Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County are a part of Project UP, the company’s $1 billion commitment to reach tens of millions of people over the next 10 years with the tools, resources, and skills needed to succeed in a digital world. Project UP is Comcast’s company-wide initiative to advance digital equity, which includes Internet Essentials, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program.
Since 2011, Internet Essentials has connected more than 140,000 households in Washington, including over 21,000 in Snohomish County. It addresses three key barriers to broadband adoption: free digital literacy training, low-cost internet-ready computers, and affordable high-speed internet for $9.95 a month. For more information about Internet Essentials and Comcast’s digital equity programs, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/education.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County is a non-profit organization providing young people ages 5-18 with a safe and positive place to spend their time before and after school and during the summer. Clubs are strategically located in neighborhoods and are accessible to all kids. Since 1946, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County has been helping young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. To learn more, please visit their website: https://bgcsc.org/
