OIC Philadelphia Celebrates Grand Opening of Comcast Flagship Lift Zone

October 9, 2025

A $1M+ Investment Advancing Digital Equity and Workforce Development

We are thrilled to share exciting news from OIC Philadelphia! Yesterday, October 7, 2025, we celebrated the grand opening of Comcast's Flagship Lift Zone at our facility—a transformative $1+ million investment that marks a significant milestone in our mission to advance digital equity and workforce development in North Philadelphia.

A Complete Technology Transformation

This flagship installation at our 1231 North Broad Street location includes:

Free high-speed 6GHz WiFi accessible throughout the building and to area residents
50+ new laptops and desktop computers for hands-on training
Upgraded audio-visual equipment in every classroom
Enhanced skills testing rooms designed for professional certification exams
Improved accessibility for wheelchairs and hearing-impaired community members
Partnership with Per Scholas to offer rigorous, tuition-free tech training
Expanded training capacity in hospitality, tourism, green jobs, audio engineering, and healthcare
Food vouchers available to ensure no one is hindered by hunger

Addressing the Full Spectrum of Barriers

As our President & CEO, Sheila Ireland, noted during yesterday's ribbon cutting: "In today's labor market, it's nearly impossible to connect individuals with family-sustaining wages without first connecting them to digital solutions. This Flagship Lift Zone is another major milestone as we continue to equip our participants with the tools, training, and technology to succeed in high-demand careers."

But we recognize that digital connectivity is only part of the equation. Hunger remains a significant barrier to learning and opportunity. That's why we're proud to introduce Sullivan's Way Digital Cafe—named in honor of our founder, Reverend Dr. Leon Sullivan. This welcoming space provides both technology access and nourishment, embodying Rev. Sullivan's vision of empowering communities through education and economic opportunity.

A Partnership Model for Impact

This flagship location is the result of meaningful collaboration between OIC Philadelphia, Comcast, Per Scholas, and city leadership. We were honored to be joined yesterday by:

Bret Perkins, Senior Vice President of External and Government Affairs at Comcast
Dan Bonelli, Regional Senior Vice President at Comcast
Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, who recognized this as "the kind of forward-thinking partnership needed to build our workforce"
Brian L. Roberts, Chairman & CEO of Comcast
Congressman Brendan Boyle
Councilmember Jeffrey Young, Jr.
Melissa Scott, Chief Information Officer, City of Philadelphia
Councilmember Rue Landau

This Flagship Lift Zone is one of only five launching nationally this fall, alongside locations in Chicago, Washington D.C., St. Paul, and the Seattle area. It builds on successful flagship openings in Atlanta, Houston, and Oakland in 2024, and is part of Comcast's $50 million commitment to strengthening Lift Zones nationwide through Project UP.

Looking Ahead

This investment positions OIC Philadelphia as a leader in bridging the digital divide and creates new pathways for workforce readiness in our community. We're excited about the expanded capacity this brings to serve more Philadelphia residents and help them access family-sustaining careers.

We'll be sharing more details about programming, community access hours, and internship opportunities at Sullivan's Way Digital Cafe in the coming weeks.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to OIC's mission. Together, we are honoring Rev. Sullivan's legacy by opening doors to tomorrow.

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