Initiative Overview
Through the Digital Equity Champion Grant, the CDE is strengthening a regional digital navigation system that helps community members access technology support where they already live, learn, and gather.
During the first half of FY26, this initiative supported expanded digital navigation services across Mecklenburg, Gaston, Cabarrus, and Union Counties, connecting individuals to personalized, human-centered help with internet access, devices, digital skills, and online safety.
At the core of this work is a simple idea: digital access works best when people know where to turn for help—and when that help shows up in trusted community spaces.
Mid-Year Data Snapshot
2-1-1 Help Requests
Community Events
NC Counties Served
What We’ve Learned So Far
A key driver of this initiative is CDE’s partnership with United Way 211, which serves as a centralized entry point for community members seeking technology support. By calling 2-1-1, individuals are connected to CDE Digital Navigators who can respond to their specific needs, from finding affordable internet to learning new digital skills.
While 211 provides the entry point, impact happens in the community.
During the first half of the fiscal year, CDE Digital Navigators supported hands-on digital skilling events across all four counties. These sessions focused on practical, everyday needs—such as online safety, workforce tools, and navigating essential digital services—and took place in locations community members already trust, including libraries, community centers, housing sites, workforce hubs, and nonprofit partner spaces.
This regional work was strengthened by AmeriCorps members, who extended CDE’s capacity by supporting outreach, event delivery, and follow-up across counties. Their involvement helped ensure services could scale while remaining local and responsive.
CDE deepened long-standing service delivery in Mecklenburg County while intentionally expanding into Gaston, Cabarrus, and Union Counties through new and growing partnerships with established community institutions. These relationships are laying the groundwork for sustained access to digital support beyond a single grant cycle.
To ensure community members know how to access help, CDE paired service delivery with targeted outreach, including county-specific social media campaigns, boosted posts, and consistent promotion of the 2-1-1 call-to-action. Messaging was reinforced through printed materials—such as cybersecurity tip sheets, Digital Navigator postcards, and signage at in-person office hours—creating multiple, clear pathways to get support.
As CDE enters the second half of FY26, this initiative will continue to focus on increasing referrals through 2-1-1, expanding office hours in trusted locations, and strengthening partnerships that make digital access practical, visible, and human.
How the Work Happens
The Digital Equity Champion Grant supports a regional digital navigation model designed to make technology help easy to find and locally accessible.
- Centralized Intake
United Way 211 serves as a single, trusted entry point for residents seeking digital support. - Community-Based Delivery
Digital Navigators provide hands-on assistance through office hours, skilling events, and partner-hosted programming in familiar community spaces. - Regional Focus
Services span Mecklenburg, Gaston, Cabarrus, and Union Counties, balancing scale with local context. - People Power
CDE staff and AmeriCorps members support outreach, service delivery, and follow-up, extending capacity while maintaining a human-centered approach.
The North Carolina Department of Information Technology awarded $30 million to community service, nonprofit, higher education, and regional organizations to help North Carolinians access and use high-speed internet. All projects will develop or expand programming that improves access to affordable internet, reliable devices, digital skills, technical support, and inclusive online tools.
