Comcast Funds INvets with $37,500 for Veteran Digital Skills Training in Indianapolis

Comcast Awards Grant to INvets for Veteran Support

Comcast has recently made headlines with its announcement of a $37,500 grant to INvets, an Indianapolis-based non-profit organization dedicated to aiding veterans in their transition to civilian life. This funding is part of Comcast's ongoing commitment to enhancing digital literacy and entrepreneurship among veterans and their families.

Purpose of the Grant

The grant aims to support INvets' entrepreneurship program, in collaboration with Venture Vets. The initiative is designed to equip veterans and military spouses with essential digital skills that are crucial for starting and running successful businesses. The focus areas include but are not limited to: financial management, digital marketing, data analytics, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. The scope of the grant also encompasses guest speaker sessions and a technology upgrade stipend, ensuring that participants can effectively engage with the software technologies relevant to the training.

Statement from Comcast

Craig D'Agostini, the regional vice president of Government Affairs at Comcast, shared insights into the importance of this initiative, stating, "Digital skills play an essential role in navigating our daily lives, and we're honored to support INvets in their efforts to provide those skills to returning military members and their families." He emphasized that bridging the digital skills gap is critical for making high-speed internet and digital literacy education accessible to all residents of Indiana.

Impact on Veterans

Sarah Harrison, CEO of INvets, echoed these sentiments by elaborating on the significance of digital skills in securing meaningful employment. She pointed out that the support from Comcast will allow veterans to gain critical skills, which in turn will contribute positively to Indiana's economy. "Helping veterans transition to civilian life means providing them and their families with what they need to succeed and thrive in their communities," said Harrison.

Broader Context: Project UP

This grant is part of Project UP, Comcast's $1 billion initiative aimed at enhancing digital opportunity and economic mobility. The company has been actively partnering with local organizations to ensure that underserved communities have access to essential digital resources. This includes free Internet access through Lift Zones, as well as provision of digital literacy training and navigation services.

About INvets

INvets is a veterans' run non-profit group committed to connecting transitioning service members and their families with opportunities across nearly 40 military installations nationwide. They recognize that the transition from military to civilian life is a family affair and often comes with various stressors. Working in tandem with over 600 corporate partners, INvets helps these veterans secure high-wage careers, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities that align with their skills and preferences.

Conclusion

The collaboration between Comcast and INvets heralds a significant step toward reducing barriers for veterans entering the civilian workforce. By focusing on digital skills training, this initiative not only aids veterans in their career transitions but also serves to strengthen local economies. The vital support structures established by organizations like INvets, combined with the commitment from companies like Comcast, create a promising future for veterans seeking to build their lives post service.