A Partnership Bridging the Digital Divide and Creating Opportunities for Tucson Youth

For more than 67 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson has been a safe haven for thousands of children and teens ages 7 through 18, offering a space to learn, grow and dream big. Six local Clubhouses in the community provide programming to help youth foster academic success while learning life and career readiness.

Empowering Success Through Technology

To succeed in academics and life in today’s digital world, access to reliable internet and technology is crucial. And for many kids attending Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, access to technology at home is not guaranteed. A lack of high-speed internet connection and modern digital equipment can mean slowed educational growth and missed career opportunities. That’s where the Clubs and their partnership with Comcast can make a life-changing impact.

One of the key programs the Clubhouse uses to teach technology skills is MyFuture. This program is a digital literacy and internet safety platform combining fun, interactive activities with valuable lessons. Through MyFuture, kids earn badges for accomplishments in STEM, art, workforce skills and more. In Arizona, the Pascua Yaqui Clubhouse has been a leader in utilizing MyFuture along with equipment donated by Comcast to give kids hands-on learning experiences with technology. Juliette, a 17-year-old Club member, shared, “What I like about MyFuture is that it gives me information about careers and topics I’m interested in, while helping me learn more about internet safety.”

The benefits of technology also extend beyond the computer lab. Teens at the Clubhouses rely on internet access to complete homework, prepare for college and even draft resumes or apply for jobs. For some, it offers a glimpse into career paths they had never previously considered, such as drone technology, podcasting and esports.

Connectivity Beyond the Club

Beyond academic and career success, reliable internet access also helps connect families to each other and to valuable resources. With Comcast’s support, the Pascua Yaqui Clubhouse also serves as a Lift Zone, which is a designated area at community centers and organizations providing free and reliable high-speed internet access. Kids and parents alike use the Lift Zone to finish homework, connect with others, apply for jobs and access resources.

Julie Trujillo, COO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, noted, “We know not all our kids have reliable internet at home. Thanks to the Lift Zone, we can extend our impact beyond the kids at our Pascua Yaqui Clubhouse to support their parents in accessing vital resources as well.”

Outside the Club walls, Comcast also helps families find affordable, high-speed internet options through its Internet Essentials program. By providing low-cost service, discounted devices and digital skills training, Comcast continues helping families stay connected and engaged.

Supporting Community Together

Comcast’s relationship with Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson goes far beyond financial investments. With two Comcast representatives serving on the Club’s board of directors, the partnership drives real, hands-on impact at every level. From advising facility improvements to crafting long-term strategies, Comcast team members are deeply embedded in and passionate about the Club’s work serving kids in the community.

Trujillo emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting, “We’re so grateful to Comcast for their unwavering support, whether it’s providing internet, furniture or leadership on our board. Because of their partnership, we’re able to do so much more for the kids and families we serve.”

Looking Ahead

With the help of partners like Comcast, Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson continues to build on its mission: providing young people with a clear path to reach their full potential and pursue their dreams. From distributing digital tools to fostering essential life skills, the Clubs are equipping a new generation to explore possibilities and make an impact.

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Tucson, visit https://www.bgctucson.org/.