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Peirce College Partners with Comcast to Provide Students with Low-Cost Internet ServicePHILADELPHIA, Sept. 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its continued efforts to eliminate roadblocks to a college degree for non-traditional learners, Peirce College, a 152-year-old Philadelphia non-profit higher education institution for working adults, has become the first Philadelphia-area college to partner with Comcast to offer low-cost Internet service and access to affordable computers to its students through the Internet Essentials program. Launched in 2011 to bridge the digital divide by offering low-cost Internet access, affordable computers and free digital literacy training, Philadelphia-based Comcast has expanded the program to include Peirce as a regional partner, increasing access and ease of enrollment for Peirce students across all income levels. As digital access has presented an obstacle to enrollment and graduation for many, this partnership will ensure the College's working adult learners have the tools they need to successfully complete their degree and prepare them to navigate work environments that are increasingly becoming more technologically advanced. "Together, Peirce and Comcast are equipping our students with the support they need to succeed academically, professionally and personally," said Peirce College President and CEO James J. Mergiotti. "This partnership will eliminate many of the barriers to advancement experienced by our students and their families, allowing them to earn their degree, build their careers and support their families for generations to come." In alignment with the college's two-generation approach to education and workforce development, the in-home computer and Internet service provided by the program will also help bridge the digital divide for students' children and other family members. "Peirce College is a leader in providing adult learners with the skills they need to achieve their goals and pursue rewarding careers," said Tom Karinshak, Executive Vice President of Customer Service for Comcast Cable and Peirce College Trustee. "By offering a low-cost Internet connection and computer, Internet Essentials will empower Peirce students to access educational resorces not just at school but also at home. Students need support at every level of their education, and this collaboration highlights our commitment to providing them the resources they need throughout their journey." Since its inception, more than 4 million people have benefited from the Comcast Internet Essentials program. Comcast is also running a pilot program for community college students in Colorado and Illinois. To be eligible, participants must be currently enrolled in Peirce classes and live within the Comcast footprint. The program includes 15/2 Mbps Internet for $9.95 per month + tax, access to low-cost computers for $149.99 + tax, free in-home WiFi, and 40 hours of access to Xfinity WiFi hotspots per month. Enrollment in Comcast Internet Essentials is available now for all current Peirce students. More information about the partnership is available by contacting Uva Coles, Vice President of Institutional Advancement and Strategic Partnerships, at [email protected]. About Peirce College For more information about Peirce College, call 888.467.3472, or visit www.Peirce.edu. Visit Peirce's blog, Peirce Connections, at http://blog.Peirce.edu. Become a fan of Peirce College on Facebook. Follow @PeirceCollege on Twitter. View the Peirce College YouTube Channel. About Internet Essentials About Comcast View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/peirce-college-partners-with-comcast-to-provide-students-with-low-cost-internet-service-300522733.html SOURCE Peirce College |