Knoxville Area Urban League implements computer technology program for students with $50,000 Comcast grant

The Knoxville Area Urban League has been awarded a $50,000 grant by Comcast to support the organization’s computer programming and digital literacy program for students interested in the information technology industry. 

As digital skills become increasingly important for success in the workforce, the Knoxville Area Urban League recognizes the need to build skills that increase technology competence and career preparedness. The grant will allow the organization to expand its computer programming and digital skills curriculum to equip 20 middle and high school students with the skills needed to compete in the field.

“We are grateful for our valued partnership with Comcast,” said Phyllis Y. Nichols, president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. “The company and its incredible employees continually support our efforts to empower the youth within our community. We sincerely appreciate Comcast’s investment, which will allow us to encourage young people’s interest in the information technology industry and open the door to career opportunities.” 

 Jason Gumbs, Comcast region senior vice president said, “The Knoxville Area Urban League is committed to provide career growth opportunities for local youth. Comcast supports the organization’s efforts and wants to inspire a new generation to enter the IT industry. Our longstanding partnership will strengthen the community in which we live, work and serve.”

Students in the inaugural cohort started the year-long program at the beginning of the 2021-22 school year. As part of the program, professionals in the digital industry engage in a monthly speaker series, virtually and in-person, to inform students about the careers available in technology. 

Additionally, students will participate in one community career tour to visit a technology-driven company for an in-depth look at the day-to-day responsibilities of its employees.

In the summer of 2022, students will participate in a week-long virtual coding camp to learn the basics of computer programming. Daily class sessions will be taught by elite and talented educators sought by top technology companies. Students will learn skills in Java, Python, Adobe, C++, Roblox and Unity. 

The Knoxville Area Urban League will provide every participant the necessary equipment to be fully immersed in the course, and students will complete pre- and post-course surveys to assess their knowledge. Once they graduate from the program, students will partner with local businesses for a two- to three-month apprenticeship, allowing them to work with IT professionals, obtain hands-on experience and use the newly learned skills.

“We need young people with the knowledge to navigate our digital environment,” Nichols said. “With support from great organizations like Comcast, we will continue to deliver on our vision of promoting diversity and economic equity.” 

To learn more about the Knoxville Area Urban League’s resources, visit www.thekaul.org. 

About the Knoxville Area Urban League

Since 1968, the Knoxville Area Urban League has assisted disadvantaged people attain social and economic stability and self-sufficiency through direct services and advocacy. The League works to provide a skilled and diverse workforce; to increase homeownership; to support economic and small business development, and to enhance education efforts for our youth. The Knoxville Area Urban League is a United Way partner agency and affiliate of the National Urban League. The League’s work and results are evident in the lives of the over 11,000 people it impacts each year. For more information, call 865-524-5511 or visit www.thekaul.org.

About Comcast Corporation 

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, Peacock, NBC News, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.

In the summer of 2022, students will participate in a week-long virtual coding camp to learn the basics of computer programming. Daily class sessions will be taught by elite and talented educators sought by top technology companies. Students will learn skills in Java, Python, Adobe, C++, Roblox and Unity. 

The Knoxville Area Urban League will provide every participant the necessary equipment to be fully immersed in the course, and students will complete pre- and post-course surveys to assess their knowledge. Once they graduate from the program, students will partner with local businesses for a two- to three-month apprenticeship, allowing them to work with IT professionals, obtain hands-on experience and use the newly learned skills.

“We need young people with the knowledge to navigate our digital environment,” Nichols said. “With support from great organizations like Comcast, we will continue to deliver on our vision of promoting diversity and economic equity.” 

To learn more about the Knoxville Area Urban League’s resources, visit www.thekaul.org. 

About the Knoxville Area Urban League

Since 1968, the Knoxville Area Urban League has assisted disadvantaged people attain social and economic stability and self-sufficiency through direct services and advocacy. The League works to provide a skilled and diverse workforce; to increase homeownership; to support economic and small business development, and to enhance education efforts for our youth. The Knoxville Area Urban League is a United Way partner agency and affiliate of the National Urban League. The League’s work and results are evident in the lives of the over 11,000 people it impacts each year. For more information, call 865-524-5511 or visit www.thekaul.org.

About Comcast Corporation 

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, Peacock, NBC News, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information.