Comcast’s Xfinity visited Howard to continue the Xfinity HBCU Tour for the third consecutive year to recruit and share opportunities for HBCU students, showing their commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Students appreciated the opportunity to learn about the company.
The tour is aimed at students who are affiliated with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and will visit 11 HBCU campuses in communities that are served by Comcast Xfinity.
Students who had the opportunity to attend the event commented on the positive aspects of the tour and what they hoped to gain from the experience.
“I think it’s really great, honestly,” Nylah Statley, a sophomore film and media journalism student from New York, said. “It’s a chance for us to learn new things and be exposed to different brands.”
Chase Vaughn, a freshman sociology major from Tulsa, Oklahoma, also agreed. She said that regardless of her major, he is excited for the opportunity and the chance “to find other pathways of work.”
“I think it’s really great for the school,” Vaughn said. “And I’m excited to see more opportunities pop up.”
The tour is designed to highlight the need for diverse voices within the entertainment and media industry and includes features to highlight the positive impact HBCUs have on higher education.
According to Comcast’s Xfinity, the event is designed “to celebrate the legacy, history and sense of pride that is unique and central to HBCU affiliation,” and showcase stories about the positive impact HBCUs have had on higher education and connect students to career resources and tools, Black small business owners, and entrepreneurs.
Tobi Hassan, senior manager for diversity, equity and inclusion at Xfinity’s northeast division, talked about the importance of Xfinity’s HBCU tour for her alma mater.
“It was not only important for me to come back but really come back and showcase not only what the organization has done in the realm of DEI, but really showing their commitment to serving underserved communities and HBCUs,” Hassan said.
Lauren Blevins, a Comcast representative who manages the Comcast Rise program shared a similar perspective about the tour.
“When I think about what we’re doing as an organization overall,” she said. “We have a lot of initiatives we’ve created to really lock onto our community.”
According to Comcast Xfinity, this tour aims “to inspire the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, and creators by providing additional resources and tools for HBCU students to maximize their experience on campus,” and help contribute to their long-term success.
Along with Howard, other participating schools on the map include Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, Jackson State University, Virginia State University, Edward Waters University, Texas Southern University and Delaware State University.
Students will also have the opportunity to attend a resume review session with a talent development professional, according to Comcast Xfinity’s website.
With thousands of HBCU students returning to campus this fall, Comcast Xfinity is offering exclusive internet deals and spreading the word about eligibility for the federal government’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides qualifying individuals with a $30 per month benefit toward their internet bill.
Copy edited by Alana Matthew
