ROCKFORD, Ill. (WREX) – On Monday, Northern Illinois Center for Nonprofit Excellence (NICNE) and Comcast joined Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara to announce the launch of the Rockford Digital Opportunity Initiative. The initiative is a new coalition of community organizations aimed at increasing digital opportunity and bridging the digital divide in Rockford.

The initiative is ran by NICNE and supported by a $200,000 investment from Comcast. Impacting nine community and faith-based organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford, outfitted with a Comcast Lift Zone. The Lift Zone offers free high-capacity Wi-Fi that enables residents to access the internet and learn digital skills.

President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford, Chip Stoner reacts to the launch of Rockford Digital Opportunity Initiative. Hear from City of Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara and Joe Higgins, Senior Director of External Affairs for Comcast.



Chip Stoner, President and CEO at the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford, shared the impact some still face in 2025 with the digital divide.

“Just because someone has a phone, doesn’t mean they have access to the internet on their phone. We’re all so used to being able to access it anywhere we go. Well, some people aren’t’ quite as fortunate.” said Stoner.

Stoner shared the Rockford Digital Opportunity Initiative is impacting not just the kids who they assist, but their families as well.

“Whether it’s access in the home, here, the library, or wherever our parents and our kids need consistent internet so they can get the information that so many other people have easy access to.” Stoner explained.

Chip Stoner, President and CEO of the Boys & Girls Club of Rockford, shared his thoughts on the connection and empowerment of the initiative.



Joe Higgins, Senior Director of External Affairs at Comcast, explained for the last 14 years their partnered initiatives have been an effort to expand digital access and opportunities in all communities.

“I think what we’ve learned most is, it’s not just about accessing anymore. It’s about skills.” Higgins explained.

Officials at the launch explained the initiative will provide reliable digital access to facility functions, educational tools, health care, job opportunities, and other essentials.

“For people that don’t have that opportunity, that’s what this coalition is really going to be important for. Is identifying those folks, trying to figure out how we can help them, then diving in and trying to get it done.” Higgins said.

Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara said the initiative was an easy ‘Yes’.

Joe Higgins, Senior Director for External Affairs at Comcast, shared breaking the digital divide has been their mission for the last 14 years.



“When they provided me the data, information, and process that they want to move and go through to make sure that everyone in our community has access to knowledge, and the skills to utilize the digital arena – it was a no brainier for us to jump on board at the city.” Mayor McNamara shared.

Each official in attendance at yesterday’s launch agreed, the Rockford Digital Opportunity Initiative will close gaps within the community.

“They’re working to figure out where are the gaps, let’s close these gaps, and let’s make sure we give everybody in this community the best opportunity we can.” Stoner said.

Officials also shared, this is an investment for the community organizations and families in Rockford.

“It’s an entire community wrapping their arms around that young person or that young person’s family saying, “How can we help” and then empowering them to also help themselves.” Mayor McNamara said.

“This building is open for the community and when we have great access we can do things on weekends for the kids and families. We have special events. That’s what’s so important, the outreach of the community, because this is a place where they can have access too.” Stoner shared.

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