When it comes to addressing the digital divide both internationally and locally, most envision programs that help underserved populations master the basics, like turning on a computer or using a mouse. While that's certainly a necessary component, truly addressing the digital divide means producing a higher, professional-level knowledge, as well as the ability to pass on their skills within their communities.

That's the approach of one major technology learning and service initiative that on Monday a year of helping young people from diverse and low-income backgrounds throughout Philadelphia receive technology training to improve themselves and their communities. Comcast Digital Connectors, supported by Comcast and One Economy, enrolled 43 high school students in the last year who gather at Project H.O.M.E.'s Honickman Learning Center and Comcast Technology Labs in North Central Philadelphia, and at People's Emergency Center classrooms in West Philly three times a week. The results are nothing short of extraordinary, and elected officials as well as Comcast executives and participating students marked the last year of work with a celebration at the Honickman Learning Center this afternoon.

By early next year, PEC will have a new website promoting its transformative commercial revitalization along the Lancaster Avenue corridor. It's possible, says new PEC Executive Director Farah Jimenez, because of the Digital Connectors' intensive nature.

"They're here two hours a night for three night a week," she says. "They're not only learning about software and how to access things that interest them. It's preparing them to actually have a career in technology, to understand networking and broadband and how to set up Wi-Fi."

One PEC student in the program, Girard College senior Breanna James, took it upon herself to give back to her community and provide training to people for those more rudimentary skills.

"The intention is to not just come out of the program being educated, but to have some knowledge transfer and community service," Jimenez says.

Comcast's $5 million financial and in-kind commitment to Digital Connectors has helped One Economy achieve its mission throughout the U.S. and globally. The curriculum includes nearly 80 learning modules. Project H.O.M.E. students offered free comprehensive computer repair to people in their communities, addressing software issues, power supplies and hard drives.

"This is a chance to invest in young people, opening the door to new possibilities and reminding them about the importance of opening doors for those behind them," Jimenez says.

"We have students who during the course of the summer will travel up to an hour and a half to participate in the program. If that's not great, I don't know what it is."

JOE PETRUCCI is managing editor of Flying Kite. Send feedback here.