Think You Know Comcast?
You know about Comcast. You may even subscribe to the international juggernaut’s internet, mobile and television services. What you may not know about Comcast is its intentional effort to give back to the communities it serves, including Millcreek. In fact, in many respects, Comcast is setting the bar for what corporate community engagement can look like.
Given the nature of the services it provides, Comcast commits to expanding digital connectivity, whileensuring that underserved individuals, families and communities have equal access to digital services. The company’s Internet Essentials program assists low-income households by providing a low-cost internet connection and the opportunity to purchase a subsidized computer.
Comcast committed $1 billion to connect 50 million people with the tools and resources they need to succeed in a digital world. Locally, Comcast connects Utah families to the Internet at home, equipping community spaces with free WiFi, and working with Utah’s network of nonprofit organizations, city leaders, and business partners/clients to create opportunities for Utahns.
Since 2011, Comcast has connected more than 240,000 low-income Utahns to a home internet connection – many for the first time through their Internet Essentials program. In 2019, Comcast, in conjunction with Canyon Rim Cares Day of Service, gifted the Millcreek Promise Program with over 30 laptops to provide to qualifying Millcreek families.
“Together, we have been able to connect 240,000 low-income Utahns to the power of affordable Internet at home and to the endless opportunity, education, growth, and discovery it provides,” said Deneiva Knight, external affairs director at Comcast. “Partnering with Millcreek City and Canyon Rim Cares allows us to support the tools, resources, and abilities that folks need to succeed in an increasingly digital world.”
Even though digital equity is a key concern, Comcast’s community engagement efforts don’t end there. For the past four years, Comcast has been the lead sponsor of the Canyon Rim Cares, an annual day of service hosted in Millcreek featuring multiple service projects. By contributing thousands of dollars and the manpower of dozens of employees, the company has played a critical role in carrying out several dozen community service projects that have affected thousands of lives throughout the world. In 2023 alone, more than 1,000 items of winter clothing were knitted to distribute to Millcreek residents experiencing homelessness and 1,100 school supply kits were purchased and assembled to be distributed to refugee students in Utah and the Middle East.
Another program Comcast RISE aims to support Utah small businesses by providing marketing, creative, media and technology services. To date the Comcast RISE program has helped more than a dozen Utah-based businesses. Comcast supports programs to advance STEM education, support veterans and active-duty military personnel and helping women establish high-tech careers.
“Comcast has been a critical partner in our ability to create events that directly benefit both Millcreek residents and disadvantaged groups throughout the world,” said Nate Gibby, chairman of Canyon Rim is Community. “By committing both budget and people to engage and improve our community, Comcast sets the standard for other companies to follow.”
Gallery: Comcast Employees Participating in Various Service Projects at the 2023 Canyon Rim Cares Day of Service
