Comcast Surprises Alexandria Youth Employment Program Graduates With Donated Laptops

ALEXANDRIA, VA-Graduates of the city’s Summer Youth Employment Program received quite the surprise during their graduation ceremony at Alexandria City High School last night (Aug. 9). Comcast gifted 130 laptops to the graduates. This is the second straight year the company has donated computers. The program, which lasts six weeks, helps students learn digital skills and prepares them for the workforce.

“Comcast recognizes the critical importance that skills training, Internet connectivity and access to technology play in career readiness,” said Katrina Ashmore, Chief of Workforce Development, City of Alexandria. “We are grateful for this generous laptop donation from Comcast, which will help these students reach their full potential as they enter a technology-driven workforce.”

Research from the National Skills Coalition shows that 92 percent of all jobs require digital skills, but nearly one-third of US workers lack basic digital skills.  Employees with positions that require just one digital skill can earn 23 percent more than workers who hold jobs that require no digital skills.

“We are passionate about digital skills training and opening doors for the next generation of innovators in Alexandria and beyond,” said Misty Allen, Vice President of Government Affairs & Community Impact for Comcast’s Beltway Region. “The City of Alexandria’s Summer Youth Employment Program is a creative, impactful career development initiative and we are proud to partner together on our shared mission to build a workforce for the future.”

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