The North Carolina Office of Digital Equity and Literacy is spearheading a robust initiative to bridge the digital divide through an interagency grant program. This program, developed in collaboration with educational institutions, aims to expand digital equity and inclusion initiatives across the state. Funded by allocations from the State Rescue Plan Act, the program has selected 11 grantees, including significant anchor institutions such as the North Carolina Community College System. The grants are designated to bolster digital education and enhance digital equity efforts statewide.
One notable component of this initiative is the expansion of tech teams by the North Carolina Business Committee on Education. These tech teams, comprising trained high school students, are being compensated to offer tech support to their K-12 school communities and the broader public. Maggie Woods, the Deputy Director of the Office of Digital Equity and Literacy, emphasized that this strategy serves dual purposes: promoting digital inclusion and fostering workforce development. She noted that families facing difficulties with online school systems could contact these trained students for support, thereby addressing both digital literacy and job creation needs.
Partnerships and Key Strategies for Digital Inclusion
The initiative also includes a collaboration with the North Carolina Division of Adult Correction Education Services Department to equip all state-run prison facilities with smart classrooms, laptops, and digital literacy training. Woods highlighted that this effort is designed to prepare inmates with the necessary digital skills to facilitate their reintegration into society upon release. Additionally, a partnership with East Carolina University is piloting a model that combines healthcare navigation with digital literacy training, reflecting the program’s broad and innovative approach to digital equity.
The North Carolina Office of Digital Equity and Literacy has outlined five key strategies to eliminate barriers and ensure reliable internet access for all residents. The first strategy focuses on providing affordable, low-cost internet services, aligning with Governor Roy Cooper’s commitment to digital accessibility. The second strategy aims to enhance online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services, with a specific focus on overcoming language barriers, as emphasized by feedback from non-native English speakers during listening sessions.
Comprehensive Approach to Digital Skills and Security
The third strategy ensures that North Carolinians acquire the necessary digital skills to meet both personal and professional demands. This involves developing standards for digital literacy and integrating these standards into educational programs and schools. The fourth strategy promotes the adoption of practices and tools to ensure online privacy and security, addressing the growing concerns around digital safety. The fifth and final strategy focuses on ensuring access to digital devices, recognizing that having the tools to connect is fundamental to achieving digital equity.
Woods reiterated the importance of these strategies, emphasizing that each one is developed in collaboration with educational partners to meet the diverse needs of North Carolina’s population. The comprehensive approach taken by the North Carolina Office of Digital Equity and Literacy aims to create a digitally inclusive environment where every resident has the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
By integrating these initiatives and partnerships, North Carolina is setting a precedent for other states to follow in the quest to close the digital divide and promote a more inclusive digital future.
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