Center for Training and Careers Graduates 24 Students from Comcast Digital Connectors Program

Comcast and Center for Training and Careers in San Jose graduated 24 students June 7 from their Comcast Digital Connectors program, providing these Silicon Valley region’s young adults with the digital skills needed to succeed and share back with their communities. 

Created in 2009, Comcast Digital Connectors helps address the digital divide, which remains a prevalent problem in communities across California.  Fewer than 60 percent of low-income families have broadband access and digital literacy skills, compared to more than 80 percent of the remaining population. 

The Comcast Digital Connectors program is designed to help low-income communities understand the benefits of broadband Internet service, giving young adults the resources to develop critical skills—from operating computers and understanding the mechanics to digital literacy and leadership. As part of the program, graduates then share those skills with their families and communities through community-based service projects. 

Since Comcast Digital Connectors launched, more than 2,000 young people have participated in the program, providing more than 100,000 hours of community service by sharing their technology skills. 

Center for Training and Careers’ program focuses on providing students with a well-rounded curriculum encompassing digital literacy, technical training, financial literacy, community service and interpersonal and leadership skills. 

The holistic curriculum equips the 24 graduates with the skills necessary to succeed in an increasingly digital work environment. Furthermore, it provides steady mentors, and looks to help a diverse group of students begin to think in a goal-oriented mindset. The students were recognized for their achievements and contributions back to the community at their graduation, and received a complementary laptop computer, provided by Comcast. 

“The Digital Connectors program has had an overwhelmingly positive impact on the lives of our youth graduates,” said Pamela Charlles Arthur, lead instructor for the program. “Through the curriculum, we are able to teach our students vital life skills that they would not receive elsewhere, such as digital literacy, digital citizenship, IT skills, and advanced computer and media techniques. As a result, we have helped these graduates kick start their futures and have given them a better advantage in their educational endeavors, skills for entering the workforce, and a greater sense of responsibility to connect and give back to others and their communities”