Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser announced Tuesday plans to create more than 20 free WiFi-connected “Lift Zones” throughout the Denver metro area for low-income families who need internet access for online learning.

The program, in partnership with Comcast, Denver Mayor Michael Hancock and Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman, will finish the Lift Zones by the end of 2020, to be available next semester.

Lift Zones will be hosted in spaces including parks, recreation centers, community centers, nonprofit organizations and Boys & Girls Clubs.

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“Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, students without access to broadband and computers experienced a homework gap that posed barriers to educational opportunity,” Weiser said. “Now, students need access to simply participate in the remote learning environment.”

Organizers expect thousands of students to use the Lift Zones to get participate in online school and do homework in a socially-distanced manner.

Lift Zones sites will be installed throughout the Denver metro area, including several in Aurora. Lift Zones will also be installed in the Front Range and in Fort Collins, Colorado Springs and Pueblo.

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“Giving students a safe place at City of Aurora recreation centers to access the WiFi they need is essential for ensuring Aurora’s kids continue to learn despite the pandemic,” Coffman said. “We are grateful to Comcast for partnering with us on this valuable service to the community.”

In addition to the Lift Zones, Comcast and Weiser also distributed $150,000 in grants to support internet safety and digital literacy programs in Colorado.

Community Computer Connection received 200 laptops and $25,000 to distribute resources to schools, nonprofits and community members. Denver Public Schools and Aurora Public Schools each got $25,000 for internet safety programs and resources.

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Through its Internet Essentials program, Comcast has connected more than 300,000 low-income Coloradans to the internet.

“Connecting people to what matters most is what Comcast is all about,” said Senior Vice President Amy Lynch. “Comcast is proud … to launch Lift Zone centers throughout our service area in Colorado to expand the options for safe, reliable Internet access.”