Comcast Donates $30,000 to Enhance Youth Digital Training at YMCA in Memphis

Comcast Supports Youth Digital Skills Training in Memphis

Comcast has taken a significant step to empower the youth of Memphis by granting $30,000 to the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South. This funding will support the Future Ready: Digital Skills for Tomorrow's Workforce program at the Georgette Cato Johnson YMCA in Whitehaven. As part of its commitment to bridging the digital divide, Comcast's initiative aims to equip young people with essential skills needed in an increasingly digital world.

The announcement was made during a special event featuring a live classroom demonstration attended by 25 students, highlighting the hands-on aspect of the program. In addition to the demonstration, Comcast employees participated in a volunteer project where they prepared backpacks full of school supplies for local youth. Each backpack also included information on Internet Essentials, Comcast's initiative to provide affordable internet access to eligible families, ensuring they have the tools needed for success.

The Future Ready program is set to train 50 students aged between 13 to 18 years in digital tools, including software like Adobe, Canva, JavaScript, and various photo and video editing applications. The program is designed not only to enhance their current academic performance but also to prepare them for future workforce challenges.

Mayor of Memphis, Paul Young, joined with other community leaders and representatives from both Comcast and the YMCA to launch this important initiative. Mike McArdle, the Regional Senior Vice President for Comcast Big South Region, emphasized the company’s dedication to expanding digital opportunities for the youth in their communities. He stated, “At Comcast, we're committed to expanding digital opportunity and helping young people gain the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly connected world.”

This partnership has deep-rooted history, with Comcast and the YMCA collaborating for over a decade on various initiatives that support local families, ranging from youth coding classes to community volunteer efforts. The commitment to uplifting young people through education and technology has yielded meaningful impacts throughout the region. The Future Ready Digital Skills for Tomorrow's Workforce program will run through May 2026, providing ongoing opportunities for students to develop vital skills.

Brian McLaughlin, President and CEO of the YMCA of Memphis & the Mid-South, expressed gratitude for Comcast’s continued partnership, stating that the Future Ready program aligns with their mission of helping young individuals reach their full potential through education and opportunity.

Apart from the training program, the event recognized students’ achievements through the Internet Essentials Essay Contest, showcasing the difference internet access makes in their lives. This emphasizes not just the need for digital skills training but also the infrastructure that allows students access to content and resources.

The investment from Comcast is also a testament to its long-term commitment to the Memphis community, where Comcast has been actively engaged for almost two decades. This donation is part of Comcast's larger Project UP, a billion-dollar initiative designed to connect individuals to the internet, offer digital opportunities, and boost economic mobility.

As Comcast continues to expand its influence in the region, they are focusing on enhancing people's access to essential tools, resources, and opportunities that are pivotal in today’s digital economy. To learn more about Comcast's initiatives and community support in Memphis, visit Comcast in Memphis.

The Future Ready program represents a shining example of how corporate responsibility and community partnerships can forge pathways to success for the next generation, and sets a precedent for other organizations to follow in empowering their local communities.