The Nov. 13 ribbon cutting ceremony celebrated the installation of a third 5G antenna tower in West Philly under the NTIA grant

PHILADELPHIA, PA – During a ribbon cutting ceremony at Community College of Philadelphia’s Career and Advanced Technology Center in West Philadelphia, CCP and its partners celebrated a newly installed 5G antenna tower and announced details about the significant strides they are making to improve digital equity for underserved communities in West Philly.

The Thursday ribbon cutting ceremony was one of three 5G antenna tower unveilings—the others took place Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 3.0 University Place and Wednesday, Sept. 10, at New Market West. On Thursday, remarks were delivered by Dr. Alycia Marshall, interim president of CCP; Brigitte Daniel Corbin, CEO of Wilco; Harold T. Epps, chair of the CCP Board of Trustees; Chris Lewis, executive director of CCP’s Career and Advanced Technology Center; Natalie Wiltshire, CEO of KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools; Ryan Hodson, director of Network Operations for PCs for People; and Michael Pearson, president and CEO of Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC).

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.

Throughout the Sept. 9 and 10 ceremonies, audiences heard from 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.

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.), 3.0 University Place (4101 Market St.), and 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:

"The installation of a 5G antenna tower at our Career and Advanced Technology Center represents far more than a technological milestone—it is a statement of purpose. Through this investment from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, we are taking bold steps to close the digital divide in West Philadelphia, home to so many of our students and their families. Together with our partners, Community College of Philadelphia is advancing digital equity, expanding opportunity, and empowering residents to thrive in an increasingly connected world. This is what it means to fulfill our mission of access, innovation, and community impact."
– Dr. Alycia Marshall, interim president, Community College of Philadelphia

“This final tower represents the culmination of a vision years in the making — a broadband corridor that now stretches from 60th Street to 40th Street, connecting communities across West Philadelphia with affordable, high-speed internet. Hosting this last installation atop CCP’s Career and Advanced Technology Center is symbolic of what this entire initiative stands for: innovation, education, and opportunity. Together with our partners, we’ve built more than a network — we’ve built a model of how public and private collaboration can deliver sustainable digital equity that empowers residents, strengthens institutions, and prepares Philadelphia for the future.”
– Brigitte Daniel Corbin, CEO, Wilco

“At KIPP Philadelphia, we know that learning and connection doesn’t end with the school day. This broadband tower will help to expand access to learning and opportunity for students and families.”
– Natalie Wiltshire, CEO, KIPP Philadelphia Public Schools

“Access to technology is access to health, education and opportunity. At PHMC, we believe that digital equity is essential to community well-being – because when residents are connected, they are empowered to learn, work and thrive.”
–  Mike Pearson, President and CEO, Public Health Management Corporation (PHMC)

“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 60 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

Community College of Philadelphia’s student finance group WEALTH•NESS hosted its second annual Financial Wellness Fair Oct. 1. The fair, which is planned and organized entirely by students, aims to bring resources and information on financial health directly to students. The fair was held in the Bonnell Building Lobby, and students stopped by throughout the afternoon to learn about financial health and how it’s connected to overall wellness.

“Mainly, the goal is to help students save money, learn how to budget and use a credit card,” said Paulina Reyes, a Work-Study student who works in the Office of Academic and Student Success. “And they offer grants, scholarships and strategies to use with budgeting.” Paulina was handing out flyers at the Financial Wellness Fair to inform students about the other events the group is hosting this semester.

Paulina stressed the importance of providing this kind of information and these resources to students. “I think that it's really important to have that kind of literacy financially, especially if you grew up not having a lot of money or your family overspent a lot of money, so you don't know how to properly…conduct yourself in that situation,” she said. In her own life, Paulina said she is just starting to learn how important personal money management is, so she imagines that many of her peers at CCP feel just as overwhelmed.

Paulina also loves that the fair acts as an opportunity to show students the help that already exists for them in their community, both on campus and nearby. “We have Counseling, we have Ardent Credit Union. So, there's just different resources here that are being provided that I think [are] really awesome for students, even if they're just passing by,” Paulina said.

Another student, Kaley Cant, who is one of the founders of WEALTH•NESS, was tabling on behalf of the group at the event. “We really want to promote financial education and wellness and making sure that both lead to a balanced lifestyle,” said Kaley. At their table, Kaley was handing out little notes with kind words of encouragement on them. “We really want students to remember that they matter, and they got this and to stay positive and just always have this little daily reminder with them.” Part of WEALTH•NESS’s mission is to support students’ mental health in connection to their financial wellness, recognizing that both contribute to a healthy, balanced lifestyle.

One of the organizations tabling at the event was the Consumer Bankruptcy Assistance Project. Sherry Hoban, Esq., the organization’s executive director, said she was so excited to see several students signing up to take advantage of their services. “We have a wonderful partnership with Community College of Philadelphia, and again, we had lots of students sign up for our services, and we're happy to be back,” she said. The Consumer Bankruptcy Assistance Project assists low-income Philadelphia residents with free debt counseling and pro bono Chapter 7 bankruptcy representation.

This event, which is meant to connect students with important financial resources, helps students understand the significance of learning personal finance and money management skills, while also helping them feel supported. The students in WEALTH•NESS understand that talking about finances can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re a student interested in learning more, you can connect with additional resources at Single Stop, located in the Mint Building, Room M1-21, or check out more information online.