Investing in Potential, Building the Future

As someone who has spent my career at the intersection of technology and people, I’m honored to step into the role of Chair and President of the SCTE Foundation. My years leading network infrastructure and engineering at Comcast taught me that real innovation doesn’t just come from new technology. It comes from the people who imagine, build, and sustain it. That’s where the SCTE Foundation comes in.

We are laser-focused on one thing: investing in people to strengthen our industry and our communities. That means funding scholarships, mentoring new talent, and helping companies close critical workforce gaps by preparing candidates with the skills they need to thrive.

One powerful example of that is the Broadband Labor Academy, a pilot program we launched to test how targeted funding, mentorship, and industry-aligned learning could accelerate workforce development. The results? More than promising. In just 10 weeks, our first cohort went from learners to job-ready candidates with SCTE certifications, hands-on training, and direct access to hiring managers from companies like Comcast, Congruex, Dycom, and MasTec.

The Academy was designed around a three-pillar model: leveraging industry resources, building mentorship networks, and aligning with SCTE learning tools. Our first 10-week cohort studied together weekly, participated in live fiber-splicing training hosted at Comcast facilities, and connected directly with vendors like Viavi, Corning, and Safety One. Just as critical, they were supported by a team of volunteer facilitators and mentors—professionals who not only taught but inspired, opening doors to interviews and ongoing career guidance. The result was a tight-knit, job-ready cohort that demonstrated exactly what’s possible when industry and education work hand in hand.

And it’s not just about jobs. It’s about lives transformed.

Take Benjamin, for example. At 19, he was working a deli job at a grocery store earning a paycheck, but unsure where it might lead. With the support of a local mentor and access to SCTE training, he discovered the world of broadband. Today, he’s a Regional Lead Construction Coordinator, owns a home, and supports a young family. His story inspired the creation of the Broadband Labor Academy—and reminds us what’s possible when we invest in potential. And perhaps most importantly, his story isn’t rare—it’s repeatable.

We’re also proud to host the upcoming TechConnect Mentoring Program graduation, celebrating the next wave of talent supported through our industry partnership with The WICT Network. These are individuals who have committed to both professional growth and peer mentorship—exactly the kind of leaders our future depends on. Programs like TechConnect not only elevate individual careers, they help knit together a stronger, more inclusive industry network.

As we continue to explore what’s possible, we’re piloting thoughtful program expansions to reach individuals who may not currently have access to broadband career opportunities. By sharing what works—and what doesn’t—we hope to inform broader workforce strategies across the industry. These efforts are still evolving, and we’re committed to learning as we go. What’s clear is that any meaningful progress will require shared effort: mentors, sponsors, educators, and employers working together toward a more inclusive future.

This work doesn’t happen in isolation. We’re actively collaborating with SCTE, The WICT Network, and other industry partners to better align our efforts and amplify impact. Now, we’re working to connect more directly with local chapters, communities, and individuals—ensuring they know what’s available through our scholarships, mentoring programs, and workforce initiatives. Our goal is to meet people where they are and open the door to opportunity. Because building the broadband workforce of tomorrow starts with showing up for each other today.

If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a real, lasting difference in our industry, I invite you to join us. Sponsor a student. Volunteer as a mentor. Make a donation. Help us expand the impact. The SCTE Foundation is where purpose meets progress. Together, let’s build the future—one life, one opportunity at a time.

Ken Klaer,

Chair and President,

SCTE Foundation

Ken Klaer is the Chair and President of the SCTE Foundation and former President of Comcast Technology Solutions. With decades of experience leading innovation across engineering, video platforms, and network architecture, he is passionate about building strong teams and stronger futures. Now, through the SCTE Foundation, he’s focused on expanding access to technical education, workforce training, and mentorship, ensuring the broadband industry continues to thrive by investing in its greatest asset: its people.

Learn more at sctefoundation.org

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