We are now providing free internet access to visitors at University Heights Center. The broadband service is being provided as part of our effort to roll out WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” in local community centers throughout Washington in partnership with cities, community organizations and local nonprofit partners.
UHeights supports 11 resident organizations inside a 1902 historic, landmarked building. Together, they bolster the neighborhood’s well-being through childcare and education, arts and cultural enrichment, beneficial mental and physical activity, food security, and housing solutions.
Becoming a Lift Zone enhances the mission of UHeights and its resident organizations:
- Students in the early learning programs and K-12 specialized education classes can more easily access materials online to supplement their schoolwork
- The UHeights Theatre Alliance can augment their performances in The Auditorium
- The many local community and arts groups that are a part of UHeights’ programs can host their events through a virtual/in-person post-COVID hybrid model that ensures continued accessibility and inclusion.
Founded in 1989 by University District residents and businesses who believed this building would serve as a vital gathering place for the community, University Heights Center has been serving the Greater Seattle area since 1902. UHeights provides new programs, services & activities to the center aimed at strengthening local neighborhoods while meeting the needs of our diverse and growing communities.
“At its core, UHeights’ mission is to uplift our community and Lift Zone gives us a practical tool to do that. With the increased access Lift Zone provides, we can empower our neighbors across generations, abilities, and socioeconomic status, helping us more fully fulfill our vision of being truly inclusive,” said Nicolina Miller, UHeights Development Coordinator
Through our Lift Zone initiative, Comcast is establishing WiFi-connected safe spaces for those needing internet access in 80 community centers statewide by the end of 2021. We have unveiled 30 Lift Zones in King, Snohomish, Pierce, Island and Spokane counties so far. These locations offer Internet connectivity to students and families that lack broadband access in the home.
“We are thrilled to partner with UHeights and add robust WiFi coverage to this historic building that is a community-focused center for education, arts and culture, civic involvement and more,” said Rodrigo Lopez, Region Senior Vice President, Comcast Washington. “Whether connecting people to the Internet at home through Internet Essentials or providing free WiFi at community centers with our Lift Zones program, we’re helping to ensure our community members have many options to get online.”
Lift Zones complement our Internet Essentials program and is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to help connect low-income families to the Internet in and outside of the home. Internet Essentials is our signature digital equity initiative and the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program. Since 2011, Internet Essentials has connected 560,000 low-income individuals statewide to broadband internet, including 336,000 people in the Puget Sound area.
Today’s announcement also comes on the heels of our recent $1 billion commitment over the next 10 years to help further close the digital divide and give even more low-income students and families the tools and resources they need to succeed in a digital world.
Internet Essentials has a comprehensive design that addresses each of the three major barriers to broadband adoption. This includes multiple options to access free digital literacy training in print, online, and in person; the option to purchase a heavily subsidized, low-cost Internet-ready computer; and low-cost, high-speed Internet service for $9.95 a month, plus tax.
For more information about Internet Essentials and Comcast’s commitment to education and digital equity, please visit https://corporate.comcast.com/education. To apply, visit www.internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376 for English or 1-855-765-6995 for Spanish.
Visit https://www.uheightscenter.org for more information about our arts and cultural events, human services, community partners, and find out how you can get involved.
