Community College of Philadelphia bridges digital divide in West Philadelphia with $2.9M grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 12, 2025

PHILADELPHIA, PA – During ribbon cutting ceremonies at two West Philadelphia locations, Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) and its partners announced details about the significant strides they are making to improve digital equity for underserved communities in West Philadelphia.

As part of the ribbon cutting ceremonies—which took place Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 3.0 University Place and Wednesday, Sept. 10, at New Market West—CCP and its partner organizations unveiled newly installed 5G antenna towers. Remarks were delivered by Philadelphia councilmembers Jamie Gauthier and Curtis Jones, State Rep. Amen Brown, and State Sen. Vincent Hughes’s office, as well as Dr. Shannon McLaughlin Rooney, vice president of Enrollment Management and Strategic Communications at CCP; Jacob Eapen, treasurer and vice president of Business and Finance at CCP; Brigitte Daniel Corbin, CEO of Wilco; Thomas A.K. Queenan, CEO and president of Mission First Housing Group; Jeffrey Wilush, CEO and president of Horizon House; Ryan Hodson, director of Network Operations at PCs for People; Pam Andrews, chair of West Powelton Saunders Park RCO; and Scott Mazo, CEO/founder of University Place Associates.

Community College of Philadelphia was awarded a $2,948,610 grant by the U.S. Department of Commerce, National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is funding 100 percent of the West Philadelphia NTIA Network program. The initiative will provide free laptops and high-speed internet access to eligible residents. The program aims to increase broadband wireless infrastructure, expand access to community-based broadband services and equipment, and provide vital digital literacy education. In the Philadelphia area, partners in this transformative initiative include Community College of Philadelphia, PCs for People, Wilco, BlocPower, Mission First Housing, Horizon House, University Place Associates, and the City of Philadelphia.

What This Means for West Philadelphia Residents:
Eligible residents in Haddington, Walnut Hill, Haverford North, West Powelton, and University City can receive free high-speed internet for two years, along with a free or low-cost laptop, modem, and digital literacy training. This initiative goes beyond simply providing access; it empowers residents to take control of their futures through education and career development.

Key Achievements to Date:

• 5G Antenna Towers Installed: In partnership with PCs for People and Wilco, 5G antenna towers have been installed in West Philadelphia at New Market West LLC/Mission First Housing Group/Horizon House Partnership (5901 Market St.) and 3.0 University Place (4101 Market St.), with an upcoming installation at CCP’s Career and Advanced Technology Center (4750 Market St.).
• Workforce Development: BlocPower and Wilco have co-led workforce development programs, training students in electrical and broadband-related careers. Thirty-two students graduated from the first eight-week program, with 16 securing job placements and 11 continuing to advanced training for free. Three of these students were hired by CCP vendors – Positive Wiring, Bridge Cable, and Wilco.
• Technology Access for Learning: Twenty-three students received free or low-cost laptops for specific courses, including Computer Support Specialist Technician training during the Spring 2025 semester.

This initiative is a pioneering model demonstrating how anchor institutions, local businesses, and government can collaborate to achieve broadband equity in surrounding communities and provide students with a new, convenient way to access education, enabling personalized learning at their own pace and in their own environment.

To learn more or sign up for services, residents can register here.

Partner quotes:

"Equitable access to technology is fundamental for full participation in today’s digital society. The transformative investment from NTIA represents a critical step toward closing the digital divide in West Philadelphia, home to many CCP students and families. With the unwavering support of our community partners, we are creating new opportunities, strengthening pathways to academic and economic success, and reaffirming our commitment to serving as a trusted source of access and empowerment for the West Philadelphia community.”
– Dr. Alycia Marshall, interim president, Community College of Philadelphia

“This is a truly historic moment. For too long, communities like West Philadelphia have suffered from subscription vulnerability, being locked out of the full benefits of the digital economy. This grant and the collaboration behind it mark the start of a new era where infrastructure meets inclusion. Wilco is proud to again help lead this transformation, building both the physical foundation and the human connections that make it meaningful. We are especially grateful to our community partners who shared our vision and opened their buildings to turn connectivity into lasting community impact.”
– Brigitte Daniel Corbin, CEO, Wilco

“At University Place, we see buildings like 3.0 University Place not just as life science hubs—but as engines for equity and access. This broadband initiative reflects the kind of ripple-effect partnerships we strive to foster: high-impact, hyper-local, and built to last. With the support of our capital partners Cantor Fitzgerald and Silverstein Properties, we’re proud to invest in both global innovation and neighborhood empowerment.”
– Anthony Maher, president, and Scott Mazo, CEO, University Place Associates

“We are proud to be partners with CCP and NTIA for this initiative. It is critical that everyone has access to technology for employment, education and beyond in our modern world. The ability to host this technology at one our properties will provide our many low-income residents living in West Philadelphia as well as our neighbors a digital bridge to our broader community.”
–Thomas A.K. Queenan, CEO and president, Mission First Housing Group

"Since its inception, Horizon House has always sought to uplift and strengthen our communities, and this collaboration is a great example of that. With our flagship location in West Philadelphia, we are committed to supporting the underserved members of our local community, and proud to partner with the Mission First Housing Group, Community College of Philadelphia, Wilco, and PCs for People to ensure these valuable resources are available to those who need them. We look forward to seeing the bridging of the digital divide in our minority communities and the positive shift for the individuals who utilize them to facilitate their educational and professional paths."

–Jeffrey Wilush, president and CEO, Horizon House

About Community College of Philadelphia
Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in the City of Philadelphia With an open admissions policy, the College serves all who may benefit – regardless of age, income, or ability For over 50 years, CCP has provided educational access for more than 700,000 Philadelphians, fostering shared prosperity and opportunity for families, businesses, and neighborhoods For information on the College's degree and certificate programs, workforce development strategies, and community engagement initiatives, visit ccp.edu and follow us on social media @CCPedu.

About Wilco
Wilco Electronic Systems is a legacy provider and innovator in electronic security, low-voltage design, IoT, and smart property technologies, proudly serving the Greater Philadelphia and Delaware Valley region for over 40 years. As a second-generation business, Wilco has become a trusted partner for commercial and multifamily real estate developments. Through the creation of public-private collaborations, Wilco has also emerged as a national leader in broadband infrastructure and digital equity, with a focus on delivering impactful connectivity solutions to subscription vulnerable communities. Visit www.wilcoinc.com for more information. Follow us on social media @WilcoSmartAccess.

About Mission First Housing Group
Mission First Housing Group develops and manages affordable, safe and sustainable homes for people in need, with a non-profit, mission-driven focus on the most vulnerable. Mission First currently provides affordable housing and services to more than 6,700 people in nearly 4,800 apartments, serving populations in need, such as veterans, survivors of domestic violence, seniors and the disabled. Please visit www.missionfirsthousing.org for more information.

About University Place Associates
University Place Associates (UPA) is a leading sustainable and socially conscious commercial real estate development firm. Based and focused in the University City area of Philadelphia, UPA is dedicated to creating “best in class” and state-of-the-art healthy commercial developments at the highest standard of sustainability. Please visit www.upaphila.com for more information.

About PCs for People
PCs for People is a 501(c)(3) national nonprofit social enterprise providing low-cost, quality computers, internet, and digital literacy training to individuals, families, nonprofits, and underserved communities. With a national footprint and strong local partnerships, PCs for People is a pioneer in building digital equity from the ground up.

About Horizon House

Horizon House, in partnership with individuals with disabilities and their families, advocates and provides comprehensive, community-based services. It creates opportunities for those served to manage their lives through environments that emphasize individual strength and choice. www.hhinc.org