Holland-area students receive laptops through Comcast donation to LAUP

Mitchell Boatman, Holland Sentinel
·2 min read
Dozens of Holland area students involved in Latin Americans United for Progress received laptops from Comcast this week in an effort to “bridge the digital divide.”
Dozens of Holland area students involved in Latin Americans United for Progress received laptops from Comcast this week in an effort to “bridge the digital divide.”

HOLLAND — Dozens of Holland area students involved in Latin Americans United for Progress received laptops from Comcast this week in an effort to “bridge the digital divide.”

Representatives of the telecommunications company visited LAUP on Tuesday, Sept. 5, to donate laptops to 40 students in grades 8-11. Comcast will donate 15 additional laptops to high school seniors and 15 to LAUP for its Comcast Lift Zone Program.

Dozens of Holland area students involved in Latin Americans United for Progress received laptops from Comcast this week in an effort to “bridge the digital divide.”
Dozens of Holland area students involved in Latin Americans United for Progress received laptops from Comcast this week in an effort to “bridge the digital divide.”

Michelle Gilbert, vice president of public relations for Comcast Cable Heartland Region, and LAUP Executive Director Johnny Rodriguez presented the laptops to students and their families Tuesday.

Rodriguez said the donation is “transformative” and will pave the way for “generational” progress.

“The Holland community is deeply enriched by the vibrant Latino culture and history that spans nearly a century and a half. Actions like these aren't just generous gestures, they're transformative pillars,” he said. “They anchor our commitment to nurturing and uplifting each generation, ensuring that our community's legacy is preserved and empowered with modern tools and opportunities.

“By bridging the digital divide, we're not just providing technology, we're paving the way for generational growth, education and advancement.”

Michelle Gilbert, vice president of public relations for Comcast Cable Heartland Region, and LAUP Executive Director Johnny Rodriguez present laptops to students.
Michelle Gilbert, vice president of public relations for Comcast Cable Heartland Region, and LAUP Executive Director Johnny Rodriguez present laptops to students.

The laptop donation and LAUP’s Lift Zone — which provides a space with free Wi-Fi for students, families and community members to access the internet — are part of Comcast’s Project UP. It’s a $1 billion effort to advance digital equity, connect people to the internet and advance economic mobility.

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“We are passionately dedicated to fostering digital inclusivity,” Gilbert said. “In an age where connectivity is essential, it's crucial that economic circumstances don't stand in the way of access.

“From virtual learning and working from home to telehealth and job opportunities, the internet has become a vital lifeline. Our commitment is to ensure that everyone, regardless of their financial situation, has every opportunity to thrive in this digital era.”

— Contact reporter Mitchell Boatman at mboatman@hollandsentinel.com.

This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Holland-area students receive laptops through Comcast donation to LAUP