Have you spotted a Minions-wrapped Xfinity store yet? We got the full Minions experience in Federal Way this week along with families from El Centro de la Raza at the Xfinity store. The entire store has been transformed into a Minions & Monsters interactive display that begs you to walk in and take part. We checked out the Minions displays and tried the new augmented reality experience while learning about Xfinity Same-Day WiFi and Comcast Lift Zones that provide free WiFi zones nationwide, and then we enjoyed some amazing face painting and balloon fights.
It was really fun to see the store taken over with some Minion mischief and see all of the families and children exploring the space together. And, then we got to see the new Minions movie in the comfiest theater around.
While Minions are fun and all, what really brought us to Federal Way was celebrating two decades of collaboration between El Centro and Comcast. The most recent partnership was Comcast’s $350,000 investment to El Centro de la Raza for a new Comcast Lift Zone computer lab that provides local families with access to technology, digital skills training, and educational resources.
What are Comcast Lift Zones?
Comcast Lift Zones are spaces in neighborhood community centers that provide free Internet access for students and families. They also provide hundreds of hours of free educational and digital skills content to help families. The El Centro de la Raza Lift Zone is just one of the 120 Comcast Lift Zones in various locations across Washington state. Many of these are located in rec centers, community hubs, parks and recreation facilities, and more. Comcast has now installed more than 1,250 Lift Zones nationwide and that number continues to grow every year.
Comcast Lift Zones can help:
- Students do homework before or after school
- Adults work remotely or apply for a job
- Allow families to apply for services
- Provide a place to check emails
- Seniors learn digital skills
- Families learn about the newest technology
- Veterans advance their careers and access their healthcare benefits
- People access telehealth appointments
- Connect someone with a Digital Navigator for tech support
- ….and so much more
I can’t stress enough how having reliable, free access to the internet for job applications, remote learning, business development, and more can change lives. In communities where not everyone can afford internet at home, having a well-equipped public hub is absolutely essential. For El Centro de la Raza, the new Lift Zone is a major step in its ongoing mission to help working families understand and use technology. Check out their calendar of events to find numerous programs and events to teach digital skills to their community.
As someone who has worked extensively with families struggling to get by, I understand how important it is for families to have access to technology. I love that Comcast gives back by providing discounted internet as well as programs like these that improve our communities. The need is huge, and Comcast continues to answer the call year after year.
To learn more about El Centro de la Raza and how it works within our community click here.
To learn more about Comcast Lift Zones click here and see how they help accomplish their goal of closing the digital divide to provide technology and WiFi to those who need it.
