KANKAKEE, IL — The Kankakee Area YMCA has received a $7,500 grant from Comcast to support its Teen Employment Readiness program. This program aims to equip high school and college students with essential digital skills necessary for success in today’s competitive job market.
A recent report by the National Skills Coalition (NSC) revealed that 90 percent of jobs in Illinois now require digital skills. However, one-third of American workers lack these foundational skills, highlighting the urgent need to address the digital skills divide.
“The Kankakee Area YMCA is committed to empowering individuals and making a positive impact in our community,” said Will Welsh, CEO of Kankakee Area YMCA. “We express our gratitude to Comcast for their support and for joining us in advancing the digital equity movement.”
Comcast’s grant is part of Project UP, a $1 billion initiative dedicated to advancing digital equity and creating boundless opportunities. Kaleshia Page, Comcast’s Community Relations Director in Kankakee County, emphasized the importance of digital skills training in maximizing educational and employment prospects facilitated by broadband connectivity.
Page also highlighted the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal digital equity initiative that offers eligible low-income households a credit of up to $30 per month for internet and mobile phone services, including Comcast’s Xfinity Internet and Xfinity Mobile plans. To learn more about the ACP, visit www.xfinity.com/ACP.
