In July, as part of their technology and innovation training, 25 high school and college students from our digital equity partner Coded by Kids (CBK) visited Comcast headquarters to spend a full day networking and learning with Comcast employees about the future of technology. With back-to-school season just around the corner, these students will have a lot to think about as they start their new year and continue developing their interests in coding.
Students began the day with a campus tour and demo to try out the product, followed by a panel discussion at LIFT Labs, our hub for entrepreneurship and innovation within the Comcast Technology Center. Featured speakers included members of BENgineers and TECHWomen, our technology resource groups that support Black and women technologists and engineers. As part of our national volunteer program Team UP, panelists volunteered to share their career journeys and tips for developing product management and engineering skills. They spoke thoughtfully about the importance of passing the torch to the younger generation and what interests them most about technology.
Comcast is a company that allows us to pay it forward, especially for young people. These kids are the future, and they will eventually be the ones to pass the torch.
Quincy Amy
Director of Software Development and Engineering, BENngineer
To conclude the day, the CBK students presented their technology projects and solicited feedback from BENgineers and TECHWomen volunteers. In small groups, they addressed potential solutions to issues across several industries including connecting consumers with local farmers to reduce food waste, using artificial intelligence to combat loneliness and sleep quality issues in Generation Z, and providing parents of young students with access to affordable and safe after-school access. Programming, and more. Our volunteers listened eagerly and provided feedback to each team to further develop these ideas.
“This experience has really shown me [them] A new light, that there are people supporting you, willing to offer insight and guidance. “Seeing their excitement about the opportunity to talk about their ideas with the people at Comcast is really cool,” said Lenin Antonich, children's programming team leader.
Coded by Kids is an organization that prepares underrepresented youth to succeed as leaders in technology and innovation through project-based learning and mentorship. Their programs are designed to provide youth of all backgrounds with beginner to advanced technical skills in areas where the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion is greatest.
This day of learning and exploration is just one part of the Central Bank of Kuwait's Technology and Innovation Training Program, a robust 8-week program designed to build technical and vocational skills that will prepare high school and college students for opportunities in the workforce and entrepreneurship. As part of the CBK-led 1Philadelphia initiative, the internship program serves as a partnership model for how local organizations can work together to create meaningful pathways for youth interested in the technology industry.
We are proud to support the Central Bank of Kuwait's vision to create world equity through technology and innovation as part of Project UP, our $1 billion commitment to connect tens of millions of people to the Internet and technology opportunities that enhance economic mobility. Through our partnership with Coded by Kids, we are helping to create limitless possibilities for future generations.
As a CBK attendant said during the event, “This is a unique display for these kids… It's a reminder of what is possible.”
