UnidosUS and Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo Renew Partnership to Increase Access to Technology

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2017 Comcast Digital Innovation Grant Awarded to 13 UnidosUS Affiliates

WASHINGTON, DC—UnidosUS (formerly NCLR) announced today 13 additional organizations as Comcast Digital Innovation grantees. The announcement follows Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo’s decision to extend the Digital Innovation Grant program, an initiative launched in 2016 that seeks to close the digital divide among Latinos by equipping them with the skills and tools needed to thrive in a fast-changing, technology-driven world. Grantees will use their funding to integrate the use of digital tools and blended-learning programs to promote workforce-readiness, immigration services, and civic engagement.

“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo and advance our common goal of expanding digital literacy and access in local communities. Through this collaboration, we are helping to ensure that the work of our Affiliates across the country has direct and widespread impact,” said UnidosUS President and CEO Janet Murguía. “Their investment not only represents an opportunity to increase the use of technology among Latinos, but also to broaden career prospects for hardworking Latinos, to ease the path to naturalization for those eligible, and bolster civic awareness and participation in our classrooms and communities.”

“Digital literacy skills are essential for success in the 21st century to connect with employment opportunities, education, news and information, and healthcare resources,” said David L. Cohen, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer of Comcast Corporation, and Chair of the Corporate Advisory Board of UnidosUS. “We are proud to build on our partnership with UnidosUS to expand its digital literacy training and work toward our common goal of closing the digital divide and making our communities stronger.”

This year’s recipients include 13 UnidosUS Affiliate organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to empowering the Latino community through digital literacy, and exploring innovative ways to incorporate technology in their community-based programs. The 2017 cohort of grantees include:

  • Asociación Puertorriqueños en Marcha, Inc. – Philadelphia, P
  • Building Skills Partnership – Los Angeles, CA
  • Carlos Rosario – Washington, D.C.
  • Centro Campesino Farmworker Center, Inc. – Homestead, FL
  • Conexión Américas – Nashville, TN
  • East Boston Ecumenical Community Council – Boston, MA
  • Erie Neighborhood House – Chicago, IL
  • Esperanza (Nueva Esperanza) – Philadelphia, PA
  • Hispanic Unity of Florida, Inc. – Hollywood, FL
  • Instituto del Progreso Latino – Chicago, IL
  • Latino Memphis, Inc. – Memphis, TN
  • Mexican American Council, Inc. – Homestead, FL
  • PODER – Chicago, IL

Comcast NBCUniversal Telemundo and UnidosUS hosted the second UnidosUS Digital Innovation Peer Exchange in Chicago on November 3, 2017. The event brought together grantees and UnidosUS Affiliates to have meaningful conversations on how nonprofits can apply cutting-edge digital innovation to deepen programmatic impact, and address the digital divide. Grantees had an opportunity to exchange ideas and explore strategies to implement strong programs that narrow the gap for Latino families as they further their understanding of digital tools.

UnidosUS also partners with Comcast on the company’s Internet Essentials program, the nation’s largest and most comprehensive broadband adoption program, which has connected four million low-income Americans, in one million households, to high-speed Internet service at home, most for the first time in their lives.