DGAP-News

BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY AND COMCAST PARTNER TO KEEP KIDS CONNECTED DURING THE SUMMER BREAK

DGAP-News: Comcast Washington BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF SNOHOMISH COUNTY AND COMCAST PARTNER TO KEEP KIDS CONNECTED DURING THE SUMMER BREAK 23.06.2022 / 00:00 The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. Comcast Washington and Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County today announced that Comcast is donating more than 400 computers to Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County, a value of more than $100,000, along with a $50,000 donation to support the build out of a full-service computer lab at Boys and Girls Clubs’ Alderwood Club. The contribution is part of a long partnership between the two organizations and will help youth in Snohomish County stay connected during the summer break. Mayor of Everett, Cassie Franklin, took part in a surprise donation ceremony for the youth today at the Boys and Girls Club of South Everett.

Youth lose up to 40 percent of learning over summer break, according to a study by the American Educational Research Association. Many students also lack access to a computer and connectivity at home, which can further disconnect them from the technology needed to stay connected during the break. In Washington, 20 percent of fourth grade students and 10 percent of eighth grade students do not have access to the internet and a computer at home, according to a study from the National Center for Education Statistics.

"Our boys and girls must return their devices to their school at the end of the academic year each June and for many that leaves them without a device for the summer break. This limits their connectivity and ability to continue their education,” said Marci Volmer, COO – The Boys & Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. “These computers from Comcast will help the youth of Snohomish County stay connected year-round.”

The donation is the result of an ongoing partnership with Comcast and Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County. Since 2019, Comcast has created more than 10 “Lift Zones” with free high-speed WiFi for the organization and donated several hundred thousand dollars in the county.

"We want to thank Boys and Girls Clubs of Snohomish County for helping us deliver devices and better connectivity to the youth of Snohomish County," said Rodrigo Lopez, region senior vice president, Comcast Washington. “This cause and supporting the local community are especially important to us because our regional office is in Everett.”