Grant supports digital learning at Federal Way nonprofit
Published 5:30 am Saturday, May 30, 2026
El Centro de la Raza (the Center for People of All Races) opened a new resource on May 15 in their Federal Way location at 1607 S. 341st Place.
Through a $350,000 grant from Comcast to support facility and technology upgrades, the new Lift Zone will support digital learning and workforce development in the community.
The space is optimized for a variety of community purposes.
Technology‑enabled spaces are available to support parent meetings, youth programming and academic enrichment, including spring break and summer programs. The flexible meeting and workshop spaces are ready for use by nonprofit partners, community organizations and internal staff, including weekly hybrid all-staff meetings.
The space will also amplify the education and resources that El Centro de la Raza is able to provide to the community at large.
One seminar will teach first-time homebuyers how to navigate that process through in-person and hybrid learning formats.
Another offering will include hosting a bilingual tech hub for United Way of King County’s Free Tax Preparation Clinics from January through April.
Public access work stations will be available for community members and program participants to complete navigation assistance, apply for public benefits, and support employment and life-skills tasks.
These programs align with El Centro’s overall mission to “build the beloved community through unifying all racial and economic sectors, to organize, empower, and defend the basic human rights of our most vulnerable and marginalized populations, and to bring critical consciousness, justice, dignity, and equity to all the peoples of the world.”
The organization is 50 years old and provides 43 programs and services to children, youth, families, and seniors in the community.
Local officials and leaders from El Centro spoke at the opening event, including Federal Way Mayor Jim Ferrell; Consul of Mexico Victor Hugo Lopez Ortego; Estela Ortega, Executive Director of El Centro de la Raza; Carl Gipson, Vice President of External Affairs at Comcast; and Victor Cerdaneta, Director of the Business Opportunity Center at El Centro de la Raza.
“The new Lift Zone at our Federal Way location represents a powerful investment in the future of our community,” Ortega said in a press release.
“With free, reliable WiFi access and Comcast’s generous contribution to support facility and technology upgrades, we are expanding our ability to serve members with the tools, connectivity, and programs they need to learn, grow, and succeed,” Ortega added. “This investment will strengthen our capacity to deliver digital skills training, support career advancement, and ensure families across South King County can fully participate in today’s digital world.”
The new Federal Way Lift Zone is part of Project UP, Comcast’s initiative to ensure more people in more communities have access to the internet and digital tools needed to thrive. Launched in 2020, the award-winning program includes more than 1,250 locations across the country.
Learn more at www.elcentrodelaraza.org.
