501-918-3025
calsfoundation@cals.org
calsfoundation@cals.org
Comcast NBCUniversal awards grant to CALS
Comcast NBCUniversal has awarded a $55,000 grant to the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS) Foundation to support the CALS Digital Literacy Guides Program, which helps residents strengthen their digital skills and access the resources they need to succeed in an increasingly connected world.
During a check presentation held at the newly renovated Main Library, Comcast representatives Evangeline Parker-Guest, Senior Manager of External Affairs, and Solomon Graves, Manager of Government Affairs, joined CALS leaders and community partners to celebrate this investment in digital learning and access across Central Arkansas.
The CALS Digital Literacy Guides Program provides free one-on-one assistance and group instruction to residents seeking help with technology. The guides work directly with patrons to teach new skills, troubleshoot devices, and make technology more approachable – serving approximately 1,450 patrons annually through individual sessions and group classes. The guides are based at CALS’s Dee Brown and McMath branches, but they meet with community members at every branch in the Central Arkansas Library System.
“Access to technology and the skills to use it effectively are essential in today’s world,” said Nate Coulter, Executive Director of the Central Arkansas Library System. “Comcast’s investment in our Digital Literacy Guides Program will help us continue to connect residents with the tools and training they need to thrive.”
The Comcast Foundation grant will help CALS expand access to digital resources, strengthen its technology training programs, and enhance computer labs where residents can develop essential digital skills. In 2024 alone, the program offered more than 90 classes – both in person and online – covering topics such as Microsoft and Google applications, Adobe Creative Suite, and Canva design tools.
“CALS continues to play an essential role in helping residents learn new skills and take full advantage of the technology available to them,” said Evangeline Parker-Guest, Senior Manager of External Affairs for Comcast. “We’re proud to support this work and help ensure more people have the opportunity to participate fully in the digital world.”
As the largest public library system in Arkansas, CALS serves more than 344,000 people – about 11% of the state’s population – across urban, suburban, and rural neighborhoods. Through its programs and partnerships, CALS continues to make learning, technology, and opportunity accessible for all, with a focus on reaching communities that have historically faced barriers to access.
This grant is part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion initiative to open doors for more people through programs that promote connectivity, skills training, and economic mobility.
To sign up for tech classes, inquire about tech help, or for any of your digital literacy needs, please visit the Tech Help/Digital Literacy web page.
