Comcast and YMCA of the USA announced today a partnership between the two that seeks to combine the efforts of the Y’s commitment to improving the lives of children and their families and Comcast’s Internet Essentials, a program which looks to provide low-cost internet services to those families.

The telecom giant’s multi-year commitment, valued at $15.3 million, was kicked off by the company making a donation of $50,000 each to five different Ys across the nation, to support digital literacy and academic achievements.  The list of grants include the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA, the YMCA of Central Maryland, the YMCA of Memphis and the Mid South, the YMCA of Greater Houston, and the YMCA of Indianapolis.

“Internet Essentials is designed to help level the playing field for low-income families by providing the opportunity to apply for low-cost home internet, one of the most important resources in today’s digital world,” said David L. Cohen, Comcast Corporation Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer, in a released statement today.  “We are proud to elevate the impact of the Y, an esteemed, leading national nonprofit, and to work together in the communities we mutually serve and help connect even more people to the resources they need to achieve their dreams.”

YMCA of the USA has created For a better us, a multi-year, multi-faceted effort to change the perception of the nation’s Ys, by raising awareness of the work being done in youth development programs and programs that seek to improve healthy living and social responsibility in the families of the youths.

Kevin Washington, President and CEO of YMCA of the USA said closing the gaps and increasing access to services that help the kids and families reach their full potential was a goal that was shared by both entities in the partnership.

“Whether it’s helping children succeed in school, connecting families to essential resources, or eliminating isolation for seniors, the Y is here to help,” continued Washington.

Internet Essentials spokesperson and Olympic Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee joined Comcast and the Y in making the announcement at the Columbia North YMCA in Philadelphia.