Month: September 2023

In July, as part of their Tech and Innovation Internship, 25 high school and college students from our digital equity partner Coded by Kids (CBK) visited Comcast Headquarters for a full day of connecting and learning with Comcast employees about the future of tech. With back-to-school season in full swing, these students will have much to reflect on as they start a new year and continue to develop their interests in coding.

Students started the day with a campus tour and product experience demo, followed by a panel discussion at LIFT Labs, our hub for entrepreneurship and innovation inside the Comcast Technology Center. Featured speakers included members of BENgineers and TECHWomen, our technology resource groups supporting Black and women technologists and engineers. As part of our national volunteerism program Team UP, the panelists volunteered to share their career journeys and advice for developing product management and engineering skills. They spoke thoughtfully about the importance of passing the torch to the younger generation and what most excites them about tech.

Comcast is a company that allows us to pay it forward, especially to those who are young. These kids are the future and will eventually be the ones passing the torch.

QUINCY IHEME

Manager, Software Development & Engineering, BENgineer

To close the day, the CBK students presented their tech projects and asked for feedback from BENgineers and TECHWomen volunteers. In small groups, they addressed potential solutions to issues across several industries including connecting consumers with local farmers to reduce food waste, using AI to combat loneliness and sleep quality issues in Generation Z, providing parents of young students access to affordable and safe after-school programming, and more. Our volunteers eagerly listened and provided notes to each team to further develop these ideas.

“This experience has really shown [them] a new light, that there are people out there that support you, ready to give insight and mentorship. Seeing their excitement about the opportunity to talk through their ideas with people in Comcast, it’s really cool,” said Lennin Antunish, Coded by Kids Team Lead.

Coded by Kids is an organization that prepares underrepresented young people to succeed as tech and innovation leaders through project-based learning and mentorship. Their programs are designed to provide young people of all backgrounds with beginner to advanced level tech skills in areas where the lack of diversity, equity, and inclusion are the greatest.

This day of learning and exploration is just one part of CBK’s Tech and Innovation Internship, a robust 8-week program designed to build technical and professional skills that will prepare high school and college students for opportunities in the workforce and entrepreneurship. As part of the CBK-led 1Philadelphia initiative, the internship program serves as a partnership model for how local organizations can work together to create meaningful pathways for young people interested in the tech industry.

We are proud to support CBK’s vision to create equity in the world through technology and innovation as part of Project UP, our $1 billion commitment to connect tens of millions of people to the internet and tech opportunities that advance economic mobility. Through our partnership with Coded by Kids, we are helping to create unlimited possibilities for generations to come.

As a CBK chaperone said during the event, “This is a unique exposure for these kids… it’s a reminder of what’s possible.”

MetLife

NEW YORK, September 15, 2023 /3BL/ – MetLife Foundation announced that it has reached over $1 billion in giving. The Foundation was established in 1976 as an independent charitable arm of Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (MetLife), and since its founding, has made significant contributions to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence.

Today, MetLife Foundation focuses on driving inclusive economic mobility and addressing the needs of underserved and underrepresented communities around the world. The work of MetLife Foundation continues to improve the financial health and well-being of individuals and families, creating positive impacts for society and communities.

“Supporting and protecting families, businesses and communities has always been core to our strategy, and the work MetLife Foundation does helps us deliver on our purpose,” said MetLife President and CEO, Michel Khalaf. “As we celebrate this milestone, we renew our commitment to continue to help all our stakeholders build a more confident future.”

Since its inception, MetLife Foundation has established commitments and partnered with nonprofits to provide grants and create programs in support of its mission, notable among them being:

In 2005, MetLife Foundation expanded its grantmaking outside of the U.S., and committed $200 million to a global campaign to bring financial inclusion to low-income communities around the world.MetLife Foundation’s giving has focused on responding to crises globally including the September 11 attacks, the Tohoku Earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, COVID-19, among others.Over the years, MetLife Foundation has provided grants to support access to affordable housing and has partnered with organizations like Habitat for Humanity, which the Foundation works with in 13 countries – including the U.S., Korea, India and Bangladesh.MetLife and MetLife Foundation have proudly partnered with UNCF (United Negro College Fund) for nearly 80 years to support students attending HBCUs.MetLife’s 2030 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commitments include a pledge from MetLife Foundation to award $150 million in funding to support underserved and underrepresented communities. Since 2021, $60.9 million has been awarded to help close the income and wealth gap.MetLife Foundation has awarded over $18 million for Alzheimer’s Disease research through MetLife Foundation Awards for Medical Research, leading to a greater understanding of the disease.

To mark the milestone, MetLife Foundation and Food Bank For New York City are hosting a food packing event on September 14, 2023, in Vanderbilt Hall located in Grand Central Terminal, with MetLife volunteers. MetLife Foundation and Food Bank For New York City have been partners for 15 years, and this event coincides with Hunger Action Month and MetLife’s annual initiative – Volunteering with Purpose – where MetLife colleagues lend their time, talent and passions to benefit their communities.

“We are honored to have our longstanding partner, Food Bank For New York City, join us to recognize this achievement,” said Mike Zarcone, Head of Corporate Affairs for MetLife and Chairman of MetLife Foundation. “Our partners and MetLife colleagues amplify the efforts of the Foundation, and this event will help fight back against food insecurity for our neighbors in New York City and communities around the world.”

Additionally, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and New York Representative Brandon Williams issued proclamations recognizing MetLife Foundation achieving $1 billion in giving and its work in New York City and New York more broadly. In Mayor Adams’ proclamation, he declared September 14, 2023, as MetLife Foundation Day in New York City.

To learn more about the work of MetLife Foundation, visit www.MetLife.org. 

About MetLife Foundation 

At MetLife Foundation, we are committed to driving inclusive economic mobility for underserved and underrepresented communities around the world. We collaborate with nonprofit organizations and provide grants aligned to three strategic focus areas – economic inclusion, financial health and resilient communities – while engaging MetLife employee volunteers to help drive impact. MetLife Foundation was established in 1976 to continue MetLife’s long tradition of corporate contributions and community involvement. Since its inception, MetLife Foundation has contributed over $1 billion to strengthen communities where MetLife has a presence. To learn more about MetLife Foundation, visit www.MetLife.org.

Media Contacts:

MetLife

Olivia Janicelli

(212) 578-3547

olivia.janicelli@metlife.com