SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA CO. (WOLF) — The Digital World is evolving every day and so is Scranton’s Outreach Leadership, Education, and Development (LEAD) Center.

Outreach – Center for Community Resources in Scranton is partnering with Comcast for a $35,000 grant to bring 35 brand-new laptops for the organization’s participants. This not only provides fast-moving internet but also makes internet affordable for low-income households.

Laptops are one of the many tools needed in job building and career opportunities. Comcast is helping to launch digital literacy and digital skills training for 150 people, including 30 staff members from Outreach.

“We’re going to be able to do digital literacy training with our participants. And so whether that’s one on one or in a group setting, really helping them learn how to use computers, how to access the internet, how to do resume writing and job searching. And so it’s allowing us to better, equip them so that they’re ready to enter the workforce,” said President and CEO of Outreach, Lori Chaffers.

Technology is advancing at such a high speed, and it can be costly. Comcast wants to lessen that stress for people and keep extra money in their pockets.

“This grant is a part of our Project Up, which represents unlimited possibilities. And it’s Comcast’s commitment to improving our communities by providing grant funding for organizations that are doing digital literacy work, helping to improve their participants and their constituents’ outcomes, helping giving them the digital skills they need to thrive. Really, whether it’s for educational purposes or for workforce development opportunities,” said Comcast Vice President of Government and External Affairs, Kevin Broadhurst.

Through training and up-to-date resources, Outreach is now able to kickstart a bright future program for career-motivated individuals, like Mari Brown who’s been with the organization for five years.

“A lot of people, they don’t have computer literacy or typing skills. And they were talking about making that a future program, but they were they didn’t have enough computers. So now they can actually start that program, which is great,” said Outreach Peer Specialist, Mari Brown.

Outreach’s mission extends beyond technology; it’s a milestone to the next chapter of life.

“We want to make sure we are really helping you find a career and a place where you are working, able to work at a meaningful employment and be able to meet your needs. And so we are here for you, and we want to serve you,” said Chaffers.

To learn more about Outreach and its programs, click here.

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