Comcast Corp., headquartered in Philadelphia, opened its newest Flagship Lift Zone Oct. 7 to advance digital skills and job training opportunities in the city.
“Philadelphia’s future depends on our ability to connect residents with the tools and training they need to thrive in a digital economy,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker. “Comcast’s newest Flagship Lift Zone represents the kind of forward-thinking partnership needed to build our workforce so that Philadelphians are ready to seize family-sustaining careers and pathways to economic opportunity.”
Comcast, in partnership with Opportunities Industrialization Center Inc. (OIC) Philadelphia, opened the Flagship Lift Zone located at 1231 North Broad Street, which is powered by more than $1 million in total investment to support facility and technology upgrades, as well as expanded capacity to offer digital and technical skills.
“Lift Zones are about creating pathways to opportunity and providing support for people within their communities,” said Bret Perkins, senior vice president of external and government affairs at Comcast. “This Flagship Lift Zone at OIC Philadelphia represents our deep commitment to partnering with local organizations that are driving real change.
“Together, we’re helping to develop Philadelphia’s workforce by providing residents with the digital skills they need to thrive in today’s economy,” Perkins added.
The new location builds on the legacy of Comcast’s award-winning Lift Zone program, which launched in 2020 and now includes more than 50 locations in Philadelphia and more than 1,250 nationwide.
The Flagship Lift Zone at OIC will invest in programs designed to recruit, train, and place individuals into family-sustaining careers in fields such as hospitality, tourism, green jobs, audio engineering, and health care, according to Comcast.
“In today’s labor market, it’s nearly impossible to connect individuals with family-sustaining wages without first connecting them to digital solutions,” said Sheila Ireland, president and CEO of OIC Philadelphia. “Our partnership with Comcast is a powerful example of what’s possible when mission-driven organizations come together to invest in people and communities.”
In addition to free high-speed WiFi and dedicated funding for community-based programming, the Flagship Lift Zone at OIC Philadelphia’s facility and technology upgrades include expanded capacity and enhanced WiFi coverage throughout the facility; a redesigned lobby; improved accessibility for wheelchairs and hearing impaired; 50+ new laptops and desktop computers; upgraded audio-visual equipment in classrooms; and technology enhanced classrooms, among others.
“OIC Philadelphia is a long-time partner and a leader in preparing people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in our ever-evolving workforce,” said Dan Bonelli, regional senior vice president at Comcast. “Our investment in OIC Philadelphia will ensure that more individuals have access to the technology, training, and support they need to pursue meaningful careers and build brighter futures for many years to come.”
Backed by a $50-million commitment to strengthening Lift Zones across the country, the site is among five Flagship locations launching nationally this fall in Chicago, Washington, D.C., St. Paul, and the Seattle area.
Comcast Lift Zones are part of Project UP, the company’s $1-billion initiative to advance digital opportunity.