Tech is at work every day, advancing innovations that transform our communities, make work, learning, and our daily life more accessible, and grow our economy. Through new programs, partnerships, and products, tech is creating opportunities for students, empowering the U.S. workforce, and aiding those most in need. Learn more in this week’s Tech At Work.
Comcast Connects Low-Income Families to the Internet
Comcast launched a new effort to create more than 1,000 WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” in community centers nationwide. Lift Zones help connect low-income families to the Internet so students can fully participate in educational opportunities and the digital economy. It’s part of Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to reach 50 million people with the connectivity, skills training, and resources they need.
Amazon Helps Front-Line Workers Grow Their Skills
Amazon’s Career Choice Program has seen a 45 percent employee participation increase since last year. The program is designed to help front-line employees grow their skills for career success at Amazon or elsewhere. Career Choice expanded its benefits earlier this year to include fully-funded college tuition, new industry certifications, courses to improve English language proficiency, and high school completion programs. As a result, more than 25,000 Amazon employees have signed up for the program in the last six months.
Instacart Partners with D.C. Central Kitchen to Combat Hunger
Instacart has partnered with D.C. Central Kitchen to help combat hunger this summer for students in Washington, D.C. Over 40,000 students in D.C. who rely on free and reduced breakfast and lunch at school are at risk of experiencing hunger this summer. Instacart matched up to $10,000 in donations made to DC Central Kitchen and is matching all donations Instacart employees make, up to $1,000 per person, to the program.
Google Launches the News Equity Fund
Google has launched the ‘News Equity Fund’, a global commitment to provide financial support and opportunities to news organizations that primarily serve underrepresented communities. The company aims to strengthen inclusion, further empower a diverse news ecosystem, and specifically support small and medium-sized publishers by creating original journalism for underrepresented audiences around the world.
Uber Creates Opportunities for People with Disabilities
Salesforce Launches Catalyst Fund to Scale Inclusive Philanthropy
Visa Commits to Advancing Inclusive, Equitable, and Sustainable Economic Growth
Zillow Has a Positive Impact on Communities Across the U.S.
SVB Responsibility Report Highlights Community Philanthropy and Volunteerism
Paypal Serves the Needs of Local Communities
What’s New in Tech
Meta Announces New Parental Controls for Instagram and in Virtual Reality
Meta recently announced new tools and resources designed to support parents, guardians, and teens in virtual reality and on Instagram. The company introduced new parental supervision tools on all Quest headsets as well as new supervision tools on Instagram, including features to help teens better manage their time on the platform.
Before You Start Your Weekend
What does it take to grow a company from one client to 100? A lot of hard work and a little help. See how Verizon provided the tools and resources to help one small business expand and grow.
