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In honor of the 10th anniversary of its Internet Essentials digital equity program, Comcast launched a Wi-Fi-connected Lift Zone in South Jersey.

On Dec. 2, when the Lift Zone celebrated take-off at its Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey & Philadelphia’s Stratford location, 10 residents participating in Goodwill’s Helms Academy Adult Education Program received free laptops.

Lift Zones complement Comcast’s Internet Essentials program, which brings broadband to low-income households. They provide Wi-Fi, powered by Comcast Business, at nonprofits like Goodwill, and other safe spaces – community centers, gyms, parks, recreation facilities and small businesses.

A part of Project UP, Comcast has committed $1 billion to connecting 50 million people to the internet and providing skills, training and resources. In the region, the provider said it is partnering with community-based organizations, is supported by PHLConnectED, has installed more than 100 Lift Zones, and gained the support of more than 600 small business owners through Comcast RISE.

With the Stratford Lift Zone, Comcast also distributed grants totaling $35,000 to support Goodwill’s efforts toward digital equity, inclusion and literacy in South Jersey. Five-hundred laptops were also donated to job seekers participating in training services from Goodwill .

According to Goodwill Industries of Southern New Jersey & Philadelphia Chief Executive Officer Mark Boyd, the Helms Academy helps adult students earn their high school diploma, while also earning up to 30 college credits. “Our partnership with Comcast will provide our participants with free connectivity and devices, which are essential to accessing training and the basic support needed to gain economic mobility and pursue new beginnings,” he said.

Comcast said it plans to install free Wi-Fi access at other Goodwill locations nationwide, for people to get online, search and apply for jobs, and participate in digital skills training and certification programs as they prepare to enter the workforce. The pair are partnering to close the digital divide for adults with low incomes by offering digital access and training at Goodwill nonprofit locations across the U.S.

“Access to the internet offers a life-changing pathway for workers to get the skills they need to move up the economic ladder and prepare for the jobs of the future, but not everyone is capable of taking full advantage of the technology,” said Trinity Thorpe-Lubneuski, executive director of Internet Essentials at Comcast Corp. “Greater internet adoption and increased digital skills will not only lead to higher paying jobs, but also make our country more competitive globally.”