Knoxville Area Urban League receives 50 new laptops from Comcast
Submitted by Maria McHale
June 14, 2021

National Achievers Society seniors receive laptops donated by Comcast to the Knoxville Area Urban League (KAUL) at a graduation party in May. Pictured from left: KAUL President and CEO Phyllis Nichols; National Achievers Society member high school graduate C’Kara Winston; KAUL Coordinator of Education and Youth Services Janea Peterson; and KAUL board member Tyvi Small, vice chancellor for diversity and engagement, University of Tennessee

Comcast has donated 50 new laptops to the Knoxville Area Urban League with 17 going to National Achievers Society seniors as a surprise at their graduation party.

Inspired by the students’ dedication during a tough pandemic year, Comcast provided the laptops to give the teens a head start on their plans post-high school. The remaining laptops will be used in the Knoxville Area Urban League’s educational and workforce programs.

“This generous gift from Comcast will help both our graduating seniors and the students who come behind them,” said Phyllis Y. Nichols, president and CEO of the Knoxville Area Urban League. “Having new laptops also will enrich our community programs that help students and adults succeed in school and at work. We appreciate Comcast’s support of our efforts to further equality.”

The National Achievers Society (NAS) was established to identify and motivate academically achieving minority high school students and increase the pool of students who are prepared, motivated and qualified for higher education.

“Navigating high school in a normal year takes hard work, and the National Achievers Society students not only completed, but also excelled in their coursework and community efforts during this difficult school year,” said Andre Celedon, external affairs manager for Comcast in Knoxville and a member of the Knoxville Area Urban League board of directors.

“Technology is crucial to open doors of opportunity for today’s youth, and we wanted to give them the best tools to start their college and career journeys.”

The Knoxville NAS program is open to every high school in Knox County, as well as Oak Ridge and Jefferson County high schools. The scholars and parents participate throughout the school year in weekend activities, projects and initiatives that enhance their cultural, academic and college preparatory experience in a three-year experience from sophomore through senior year.

“These young people are truly achievers and strive to prepare for their futures and serve our community every day,” said Janea Peterson, coordinator of education and youth services for the Knoxville Area Urban League. “We are so thankful to Comcast and Andre Celedon for recognizing that potential and rewarding their hard work. This was a bright moment in our celebrations.”

About the Knoxville Area Urban League
Since 1968, the Knoxville Area Urban League has assisted disadvantaged people attain social and economic stability and self-sufficiency through direct services and advocacy. The League works to provide a skilled and diverse workforce; to increase homeownership; to support economic and small business development, and to enhance education efforts for our youth. The Knoxville Area Urban League is a United Way partner agency and affiliate of the National Urban League. The League’s work and results are evident in the lives of the over 8,000 people it impacts each year. For more information, call 865-524-5511 or visit www.thekaul.org.