PEORIA, Ill. — Comcast Wednesday announced the launch of new WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” at community centers in the Peoria area.
According to Comcast, Lift Zones are safe spaces where students and families can get online for distance learning, to do homework, to learn new digital skills and to search for employment.
The new Lift Zones are at the following locations:
- George Washington Carver Community Center ,710 W. Percy Baker Ave., Peoria, IL 61605
- Boys & Girls Club of Pekin, 1101 Veerman St., Pekin, IL 61554
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Peoria locations:
- Caho/Becker Unit, 2703 W Grinnell St., Peoria, IL 61602
- East Bluff Community Center, 512 E Kansas St., Peoria, IL 61603
- Nannie M. Johnson Community Center, 3129 NE Madison Ave., Peoria, IL 61603
- Richland Farms Community Center, 446 Cass St., East Peoria, IL 61611
Comcast says the COVID-19 crisis put many low-income students and families at risk of being left behind and accelerated the need for comprehensive digital equity and Internet adoption programs to support them.
The Lift Zones are part of a larger multiyear plan by Comcast to support community-organization based WiFi at more than 1,000 Lift Zones throughout the country – including the Peoria area.
“The pandemic has further demonstrated that digital literacy and Internet access are necessities for our community,” said Peoria Mayor Rita Ali. “We are pleased to have Lift Zones in Peoria to help students and families connect to the Internet for school, work and building digital skills at local community organizations.”
“We are proud to join Comcast and other community partners to launch Lift Zones in the Peoria area,” said Jacobie Proctor, Chief Executive Officer of George Washington Carver Community Center. “The ability to provide free Internet access helps further our vision to create opportunities and experiences that are essential for individuals and communities to grow and thrive.”
Comcast continues to offer, through the end of 2021, all new Internet Essentials customers two months of free Internet service.
Comcast also continues to extend free access to its 1.5 million public Xfinity WiFi hotspots to anyone who needs them, including non-customers, through the end of 2021. These hotspots are located in public places like small businesses, parks and transportation hubs and are in addition to the Lift Zones.
