The internet is vital to our daily lives, especially for students and families working from home this year. It is a critical lifeline for being successful during the 2020-2021 school year. But what about our neighbors who lack the resources for connecting to reliable, high-speed internet?

In response to this growing need during COVID-19, Comcast Washington is expanding its Internet Essentialsprogram, which connects low-income families and individuals to the internet and technology resources. The company is offering two free months of internet access to eligible households and families that apply before the end of 2020 to get them connected to vital internet resources.

Since 2011 this program has been Washington’s most impactful low-income internet adoption program. It has connected nearly 340,000 Washingtonians — 90 percent of whom were not connected to the internet at home until they applied for Internet Essentials. Through this program, Comcast also invests back into the communities it serves by funding the creation of needed computer labs and offering laptop computer donations to individuals and families in need.

Comcast’s Internet Essentials Partnership Program allows the Kitsap community to help connect neighbors with financial hardships to the internet.

How You, the Public, Can Help

Research shows barriers to broadband adoption are more complex than having access to an Internet connection, even when it is discounted or free. Solving a problem as vast and complex as the digital divide requires collaboration – with the school district, elected officials, nonprofit community partners, and other private-sector companies – so everyone is part of the solution.

Comcast has seen the success of Internet Essentials is due to our efforts in public-private partnerships with more than 10,000 combinedschool districts, libraries, nonprofits, community-based organizations, and public agencies. That is why the company just announced a new program that allows the Kitsap community to help connect neighbors with financial hardships to the internet, the Internet Essentials Partnership Program.

Comcast’s successes in connecting individuals and families in our state and across Kitsap County are because of great local partnerships and support. This new initiative creates public-private partnerships that empower Kitsap’s community to come together and coordinate funding to help connect local K-12 students. The program offers school districts, nonprofits, and community organizations across the County an opportunity to partner in helpingconnect homes and families to free and low-costs internet resources during another year of remote learning.

How to Become a Community Sponsor

Do you work for a local government? Are you a local nonprofit? Perhaps you’re a part of a local community or citizens group focused on making a positive impact? Make a difference by signing up for this program today!

The Internet Essentials Partnership Program is built for the entire community to help support kids and families that need an internet connection at this time. Organizations and groups interested in becoming IEPP partners can fill out this form to receive more information and begin the sponsorship process.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Internet Essentials Partnership Program, please visit corporate.comcast.com/internet-essentials-partnership-program.

For more general information about families qualifying and applying for the Internet Essentials program, visit www.internetessentials.com/covid19.