Empowering Utah: How Elevate Utah Transforms Communities with Digital Literacy and Workforce Training 

Originally known as Centro Hispano, the newly named Elevate Utah is leading the way in empowering community members across the state with the tools needed to thrive in the workforce. This nonprofit organization centers their work on inclusion and individualized support for people from all walks of life to provide tools that help people meet their needs in the realms of immigration, health and career.  

Elevate Utah’s support goes far beyond traditional training with workforce development programs designed to help workers in more manual labor jobs transition to skilled trades, technology focused careers and to even become their own bosses through entrepreneurship. Whether it’s teaching people new to the United States how to navigate their first laptop or empowering entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, Elevate Utah ensures every person who walks through its doors feels welcomed and supported. 

Digital Literacy Skills Help Utah Residents Meet Professional Goals 

“In an increasingly digital world, access to technology is no longer a luxury – it’s a need,” said George Correa, workforce development and health promotion department director at Elevate Utah. “This is where Elevate Utah’s Digital Navigators really shine because they tailor their support to each person’s current skill level and guide them through the tech skills they need to and want to learn.” 

According to Correa, this support is particularly impactful for residents such as older citizens and people who are new to the United States who might be working with a computer for the first time. Elevate Utah also hosts programming that teaches critical computer and technology skills, spanning from foundational lessons such as turning on a computer and mastering Google Docs, all the way to more advanced courses in resume-building and job searching. 

Elevate Utah teaches digital literacy alongside language skills and trade certifications to position learners for meaningful workforce participation and personal growth. The Elevate Utah team also helps people with immediate needs such as filling out online applications for jobs and housing. For one local entrepreneur, the technology guidance he received from a Digital Navigator was transformative in helping him secure new vending machine contracts that helped grow his business. 

Elevate Utah By the Numbers 

The Elevate Utah team is nimble in supporting thousands of residents across the state. Here is a snapshot of their impact so far: 

• 18,000 individuals received support from Digital Navigators in 2024 
• Approximately 50,000 individuals receive support annually from health, workforce and immigration programming 
• 11 Elevate Utah staff members provide individualized support for residents

Comcast’s Partnership Expands Impact for Utah Residents 

With funding from Comcast, Elevate Utah is able to launch new programs and purchase computers for its digital literacy courses – addressing a critical gap in its offerings. With more laptops, even more students can receive hands-on training.  

“This wouldn’t be feasible without an organization like Comcast,” said Correa. “Comcast does so much for the community, especially for neighborhoods like South Franklin where we’re located. Their support enables us to continue helping individuals learn, connect and succeed.” 

What sets Elevate Utah apart is a culture built on empathy and respect. Inspired by his own experiences as a child moving to the United States from Colombia with his parents, Correa notes that the Elevate Utah team strives to treat people with the same respect and care they’d give their family members. That person-first mentality shines through for every individual Elevate Utah helps, whether it’s someone learning to type a resume or a neighbor finding housing through online applications. As Magaly Beltran, workforce development coordinator at Elevate Utah, says, “We’re here to help. If we can’t offer the resource someone needs, we’ll find someone who can.” 

Working Together to Bridge the Digital Divide 

Together, Elevate Utah and Comcast are creating transformative opportunities for Utah residents through tailored digital support and programming that meets people where they are, ensuring that everyone has the chance to thrive. 

For more information about how Comcast supports Elevate Utah and other organizations working to advance digital literacy, visit https://corporate.comcast.com/company/impact/project-up/.