The Center for Digital Equity

Public Workstream Meeting: Digital Navigation and Technical Support
2023-05-26 11:00 - 12:00 (America/New_York) | NC
You’re invited to our public monthly workstream meetings! We value the input of all Mecklenburg County residents, whether you just want to listen to the conversation or whether you’d like to become a full member of one of our workstreams. Each workstream is composed of local residents, public sector leaders, and private sector partners.
Join the Digital Navigation and Technical Support Workstream meeting to learn how we’re managing and enhancing the county-wide Digital Navigator service at no-cost to residents. Our mission is to provide a sustainable and appropriate level of service to the community. Each meeting occurs the third Friday of every month at 11am ET.
Standing Meeting Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Date: May 19, 2023
Virtual Location: Join Teams Meeting
Workstream Leader: Bruce Clark (Executive Director of CDE)
RSVP: Complete this form to indicate your interest in joining a meeting.
**Note: You are still welcome to join the meeting if you don’t RSVP.

Overview of Workstreams at the CDE
The overall mission of the Center for Digital Equity is to make Mecklenburg county the most digitally equitable community in America, and each workstream tackles specific key performances indicators (KPIs) related to that broader goal.
The CDE is organized across five workstreams that generally correlate with our no-cost community services, which are as follows:

Support signing up for affordable home internet
Support finding a no or low-cost device
Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
Basic technical support

Workstream meetings are hosted monthly, and you’re welcome to join a different one each month to learn about the unique initiatives of our five workstreams:

Data, Research, and Program Measurement
Device and Connectivity
Digital Literacy and Skilling
Digital Navigation and Technical Support
Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development

Public Workstream Meeting: Device and Connectivity
2023-06-01 10:00 - 11:00 | NC
You’re invited to our public monthly workstream meetings! We value the input of all Mecklenburg County residents, whether you just want to listen to the conversation or whether you’d like to become a full member of one of our workstreams. Each workstream is composed of local residents, public sector leaders, and private sector partners.
Join the the Device and Connectivity Workstream meeting to learn what’s happening in Charlotte to connect residents with affordable devices that empowers them to succeed in a highly digitized world. Their mission is to navigate different partner inputs and connect the community with available resources. These meetings alternate between being virtual and in-person, so check the calendar monthly for updated information.
Standing Meeting Time: 10:00am – 11:00am
Date: June 1, 2023
Workstream Program Director: Ameera Bartholomew
RSVP: Complete this form to indicate your interest in joining a meeting. Ameera will contact you with the meeting location.
**Note: You are still welcome to join the meeting if you don’t RSVP.

Overview of Workstreams at the CDE
The overall mission of the Center for Digital Equity is to make Mecklenburg county the most digitally equitable community in America, and each workstream tackles specific key performances indicators (KPIs) related to that broader goal.
The CDE is organized across five workstreams that generally correlate with our no-cost community services, which are as follows:

Support signing up for affordable home internet
Support finding a no or low-cost device
Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
Basic technical support

Workstream meetings are hosted monthly, and you’re welcome to join a different one each month to learn about the unique initiatives of our five workstreams:

Data, Research, and Program Measurement
Device and Connectivity
Digital Literacy and Skilling
Digital Navigation and Technical Support
Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development

Public Community Council Meeting (June 1 - Virtual)
2023-06-01 15:30 - 17:00 | NC
You’re invited to our public monthly Community Council meetings! At the Center for Digital Equity (CDE), we value the input of all Mecklenburg County residents, whether you just want to listen to the conversation or whether you’d like to become a resident or organization partner of the CDE. Each Community Council meeting is held the first Thursday of the month from 3:30 – 5:00pm. Most meetings are virtual (see Zoom invite link below).

Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Virtual Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84550871446

What is the Community Council?
The community council is a resident, public, private collaboration focused on producing recommendations on how Mecklenburg County can become the most digitally equitable community in America. Any resident in Mecklenburg County or public and private sector partner who operates within the county is welcome to join the council. The community council is governed by a co-created charter and led by workstream co-chairs who are elected by partners of the CDE.

Interested in becoming a member of the Community Council? Complete this interest form: https://share.hsforms.com/1JkmrAPzZRiC9oTPhbyI9RA3qimx

CDE Mission Statement
To make Mecklenburg County the most digital equitable community in America.

CDE Vision
The Center for Digital Equity is the backbone organization for a collective impact strategy bringing together residents, public, and private sector partners to co-create solutions allowing every resident the opportunity to thrive in our modern culture.

What are the CDE’s workstreams?
The CDE is organized across five workstreams that tackle specific key performances indicators (KPIs) related to our mission and generally correlate with our no-cost community services, which are as follows:

Support signing up for affordable home internet
Support finding a no or low-cost device
Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
Basic technical support

Workstream meetings are hosted monthly, and you’re welcome to join a different one each month to learn about their unique initiatives. You can find all the public workstream meetings on our events calendar. Our five workstreams are:

Data, Research, and Program Measurement
Device and Connectivity
Digital Literacy and Skilling
Digital Navigation and Technical Support
Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development

CDE History
The Center for Digital Equity (CDE) is an evolution of two key community initiatives; Digital Charlotte and the Charlotte Digital Inclusion Alliance and is housed at Queens University of Charlotte.
The CDE is supported by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Volunteer: Laptop Distribution with the CDE & the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
2023-06-03 08:00 - 15:00 | 817 Hamilton St. Charlotte NC, 28206, 817 Hamilton Street, Charlotte, NC, 28206, United States
Partner Event: ACP Awareness/Enrollment for the recipients of a free laptop through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library’s MeckTech program.
Complete our Volunteer Form to sign up for this event: https://share.hsforms.com/1UETgTAgST665mOr3GwjGBQ3qimx

About the Event
The MeckTech Computer Kit Program (through the Charlotte Mecklenburg Library) is distributing 20,000 free laptops to Mecklenburg County adults without a home computer. Each kit includes a refurbished laptop optimized for accessing the internet, joining virtual meetings, creating documents, and more.
Pick a date to join the laptop distribution and work with the CDE! Once participants receive a refurbished laptop (perhaps their very first computer!), they may be interested in free or reduced cost internet, as well as our free Digital Navigator Services. Join us on-site to help residents complete the application for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). You’ll also help raise awareness of our Digital Navigator Services, free to all Mecklenburg residents through 311.

What is the ACP?
The ACP is a new federal benefit program that helps ensure households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service. Volunteers will help guide residents through the ACP application process. We’ll have a step-by-step packet to guide you, plus additional staff and volunteers will be available to help.
Event Logistics
Complete our Volunteer Form to sign up for this event: https://share.hsforms.com/1UETgTAgST665mOr3GwjGBQ3qimx
About 2,000 laptops are distributed at each event. Every distribution event is on a Saturday from 8:00a – 3:00p and hosted at AvidXChange, which is located at 1210 AvidXChange Lane, Charlotte, NC 28206. Each distribution event is broken into four shifts: full day, morning, mid-day, or afternoon. Please indicate which shift works for you in the form above.

Volunteer: "Beat the Summer Slide" Mega Laptop Distribution Day
2023-06-10 09:00 - 12:00 | Butler High School, 1810 Matthews-Mint Hill Road, Charlotte, NC, 28105, United States
Get out in the Charlotte Community with us!
Join us at Butler High School as we partner with E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide) to support their mega laptop distribution day! E2D’s goal is to distribute 600 low-cost laptops at this event to support CMS families to “beat the summer slide.” Laptops will be available for purchase for $80 cash ($84 with credit card).
Follow this link to sign-up to volunteer: https://share.hsforms.com/1UETgTAgST665mOr3GwjGBQ3qimx
(Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed at this event!)
What is the “Summer Slide”?
The summer slide is a decline in reading ability and other academic skills that can occur over the summer months when school isn’t in session. By providing laptops to the community, families have a digital resource to access online learning opportunities throughout the summer to keep kids’ academic skills sharp.
Volunteer Details
Once community members have received a low-cost laptop (perhaps their very first one!) the CDE will be on-site to enroll eligible families in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The ACP is a federal benefit providing a $30 discount on monthly internet bills. Whether a community member doesn’t currently have home internet or wishes to reduce their existing bill, CDE volunteers are there to empower and guide residents through the ACP application process.

Volunteer Arrival Time: 8:45 – 9:00 am
Parking: Free parking in the school parking lot

Public Workstream Meeting: Digital Literacy and Skilling
2023-06-15 11:00 - 12:00 | NC
You’re invited to our public monthly workstream meetings! We value the input of all Mecklenburg County residents, whether you just want to listen to the conversation or whether you’d like to become a full member of one of our workstreams. Each workstream is composed of local residents, public sector leaders, and private sector partners.
Join the Digital Literacy and Skilling Workstream meeting to learn what we’re doing to educate residents on using digital tools so they feel empowered to succeed in a highly digitized world. Our mission is to navigate different partner inputs and connect the community with available resources.
Date: June 15, 2023
Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Virtual Location: Link Coming!
Meeting ID: 226 129 766 11
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Workstream Program Director: Ameera Bartholomew
Interested in becoming a member of the Community Council? Complete this form to indicate your interest in becoming an official resident or organization partner of the CDE.
**Note: You do not need to RSVP or complete a form to attend meetings!

Overview of Workstreams at the CDE
The overall mission of the Center for Digital Equity is to make Mecklenburg county the most digitally equitable community in America, and each workstream tackles specific key performances indicators (KPIs) related to that broader goal.
The CDE is organized across five workstreams that generally correlate with our no-cost community services, which are as follows:

Support signing up for affordable home internet
Support finding a no or low-cost device
Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
Basic technical support

Workstream meetings are hosted monthly, and you’re welcome to join a different one each month to learn about the unique initiatives of our five workstreams:

Data, Research, and Program Measurement
Device and Connectivity
Digital Literacy and Skilling
Digital Navigation and Technical Support
Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development

Public Workstream Meeting: Device and Connectivity
2023-06-15 15:00 - 15:30 | NC
You’re invited to our public monthly workstream meetings! We value the input of all Mecklenburg County residents, whether you just want to listen to the conversation or whether you’d like to become a full member of one of our workstreams. Each workstream is composed of local residents, public sector leaders, and private sector partners.
Join the Device and Connectivity Workstream meeting to learn what’s happening in Charlotte to connect residents with affordable devices that empowers them to succeed in a highly digitized world. Their mission is to navigate different partner inputs and connect the community with available resources. These meetings alternate between being virtual and in-person, so check the calendar monthly for updated information.
Standing Meeting Time: 3:00pm – 3:30pm
Date: June 15, 2023
Virtual Location:
https://teams.microsoft.com/meetingOptions/?organizerId=3dc191ff-3740-4507-b309-213ee2842e34&tenantId=4b32ca79-7c18-4f06-a72c-62381482d712&threadId=19_meeting_M2UzYjBkNmUtODlmOS00YTQwLWEwZWMtNzI1N2ZjN2Y4MzAx@thread.v2&messageId=0&language=en-US

Meeting ID: 296 031 075 909
Passcode: [REDACTED]

Workstream Program Director: Ameera Bartholomew
Interested in becoming a member of the Community Council? Complete this form to indicate your interest in becoming an official resident or organization partner of the CDE.
**Note: You do not need to RSVP or complete a form to attend meetings!

Overview of Workstreams at the CDE
The overall mission of the Center for Digital Equity is to make Mecklenburg county the most digitally equitable community in America, and each workstream tackles specific key performances indicators (KPIs) related to that broader goal.
The CDE is organized across five workstreams that generally correlate with our no-cost community services, which are as follows:

Support signing up for affordable home internet
Support finding a no or low-cost device
Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
Basic technical support

Workstream meetings are hosted monthly, and you’re welcome to join a different one each month to learn about the unique initiatives of our five workstreams:

Data, Research, and Program Measurement
Device and Connectivity
Digital Literacy and Skilling
Digital Navigation and Technical Support
Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development

Blacks in Technology Charlotte: Career Fair and Tech Conference
2023-06-17 08:00 - 15:00 | AvidXChange, 1210 AvidXChange Lane, Charlotte, NC, 28206, United States
FIRST ANNUAL BLACKS IN TECHNOLOGY PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS CONFERENCE

We are excited to announce our first Annual Blacks in Technology Pathways to Success Conference! This year’s event will be held at AvidXchange in Uptown and will feature leading Black tech experts in Cloud, Cybersecurity, Data, Talent & Recruitment and more! Hear from Microsoft Black leaders and join us for games and giveaways! Registration is $10. If you are looking to break into tech, advance your career in tech or connect with the Black tech community in Charlotte, this is the conference for you!

REGISTER HERE: Pathways to Success Conference – BIT Charlotte Tickets, Sat, June 17, 2023 at 8:00am | Eventbrite

Included in the Ticket:

Networking Breakfast
Career Fair and 1 on 1 Consultations
Catered Lunch
Post Conference Networking Mixer

Access Charlotte- Grier Park
2023-06-20 15:30 - 17:30 | NC
June 20th, 3:30pm – 5:30pm
All residents living at Grier Park are invited to attend the Access Charlotte internet sign-up event hosted by the Center for Digital Equity! The City of Charlotte has partnered with Spectrum to launch the Access Charlotte program. Access Charlotte provides FREE high-speed internet to residents of your housing property. The Digital Navigator Service at the Center for Digital Equity
will visit your property to provide 1:1 guidance to help you sign up! Access Charlotte program participants will be served by digital navigators. Digital navigators are individuals whose purpose is to help meet digital needs such as technical support, education surrounding other available resources, and digital literacy training. Assistance can be requested from a digital navigator by calling 311 or using the CLT+ app. Along with this there will be aid to free internet access with no modem fees, data caps or contracts.
Access Charlotte aims to bridge the gap of the digital divide in the greater Charlotte area. Access Charlotte will improve and size up to provide free Spectrum Internet and Advanced Wi-Fi to over 5,000 households and 15 community spaces. Using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Charlotte has implemented the two-year program to pay for in-home internet, as well as allocate dollars toward efforts related to digital navigators.
Households in the Access Charlotte program area are eligible for this initiative regardless of whether they are current Spectrum customers. Those who are not current customers can sign up to request a self-installation kit and start receiving the service by calling 1-855-326-5115 or visiting a specialized Spectrum website. Current customers will automatically be included in the program.

Public Workstream Meeting: Data, Research, and Program Measurement
2023-06-20 16:00 - 17:00 | NC
You’re invited to our public monthly workstream meetings! We value the input of all Mecklenburg County residents, whether you just want to listen to the conversation or whether you’d like to become a full member of one of our workstreams. Each workstream is composed of local residents, public sector leaders, and private sector partners.
Join the the Data, Research and Program Measurement Workstream meeting to learn how we’re collecting data on our progress and using different types of data to inform our decisions. Their mission is to connect the community and partners with the right level of key data elements to drive decisions. Each meeting occurs the third Tuesday of every month.
Standing Meeting Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Date: June 20, 2023
Virtual Location: Join Teams Meeting
Workstream Program Director: Amy Crippen
RSVP: Complete this form to indicate your interest in joining a meeting.
**Note: You are still welcome to join the meeting if you don’t RSVP.

Overview of Workstreams at the CDE
The overall mission of the Center for Digital Equity is to make Mecklenburg county the most digitally equitable community in America, and each workstream tackles specific key performances indicators (KPIs) related to that broader goal.
The CDE is organized across five workstreams that generally correlate with our no-cost community services, which are as follows:

Support signing up for affordable home internet
Support finding a no or low-cost device
Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
Basic technical support

Workstream meetings are hosted monthly, and you’re welcome to join a different one each month to learn about the unique initiatives of our five workstreams:

Data, Research, and Program Measurement
Device and Connectivity
Digital Literacy and Skilling
Digital Navigation and Technical Support
Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development

Public Workstream Meeting: Digital Navigation and Technical Support
2023-06-23 11:00 - 12:00 | NC
You’re invited to our public monthly workstream meetings! We value the input of all Mecklenburg County residents, whether you just want to listen to the conversation or whether you’d like to become a full member of one of our workstreams. Each workstream is composed of local residents, public sector leaders, and private sector partners.
Join the Digital Navigation and Technical Support Workstream meeting to learn how we’re managing and enhancing the county-wide Digital Navigator service at no-cost to residents. Our mission is to provide a sustainable and appropriate level of service to the community. Each meeting occurs the third Friday of every month at 11am ET.
Standing Meeting Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Date: June 23, 2023
Virtual Location: https://teams.microsoft.com/l/meetup-join/19:meeting_MGUzYjg4NGYtMGY3Ny00ZGJlLWI0YzgtZWQ2YzAzNGJhNTE0@thread.v2/0?context=%7B%22Tid%22:%224b32ca79-7c18-4f06-a72c-62381482d712%22,%22Oid%22:%22f18fdeae-69b6-43c9-a695-081522049863%22%7D
Workstream Leader: Bruce Clark & Natali Betancur (Executive & Deputy Directors of CDE)

Overview of Workstreams at the CDE
The overall mission of the Center for Digital Equity is to make Mecklenburg county the most digitally equitable community in America, and each workstream tackles specific key performances indicators (KPIs) related to that broader goal.
The CDE is organized across five workstreams that generally correlate with our no-cost community services, which are as follows:

Support signing up for affordable home internet
Support finding a no or low-cost device
Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
Basic technical support

Workstream meetings are hosted monthly, and you’re welcome to join a different one each month to learn about the unique initiatives of our five workstreams:

Data, Research, and Program Measurement
Device and Connectivity
Digital Literacy and Skilling
Digital Navigation and Technical Support
Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development

Community Listening Session: "Community Priorities for Closing the Digital Divide"
2023-06-24 09:00 - 12:00 | Belmont Regional Center, 700 Parkwood Avenue, Charlotte, North Carolina, 28205, United States
Our 2023 CDE Digital Equity Champions are pleased to announce our first listening session hosted at The Belmont Regional Center: Community Priorities for Closing the Digital Divide. In this listening session, participants will engage in an interactive workshop designed to explore the unique ways communities are impacted by the digital divide, while collectively prioritizing solutions.
The CDE selected nine community-based organizations to work with our Policy, Advocacy and Ecosystem Development team to help us build and serve nine covered populations within the Digital Equity Act (view list of covered populations on page 7 of this document). Part of this work includes hosting and collecting data as it relates to serving said populations and in development of our Advocacy agenda. We’re kicking off this initiative with our first listening session at Belmont Regional Center.
Please note this event is RSVP only. Please contact the Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development Program Director, Amy Crippen, if you’d like more information: crippena@queens.edu

Volunteer: Internet Sign-Up Event Retreat at Renaissance West Community Initiative (Access Charlotte)
2023-06-24 10:00 - 13:00 | NC
June 24th, 10:00am – 1:00pm
All residents living at the Retreat at Renaissance West Community Initiative are invited to attend the Access Charlotte internet sign-up event hosted by the Center for Digital Equity! The City of Charlotte has partnered with Spectrum to launch the Access Charlotte program. Access Charlotte provides FREE high-speed internet to residents of your housing property. The Digital Navigator Service at the Center for Digital Equity
will visit your property to provide 1:1 guidance to help you sign up! Access Charlotte program participants will be served by digital navigators. Digital navigators are individuals whose purpose is to help meet digital needs such as technical support, education surrounding other available resources, and digital literacy training. Assistance can be requested from a digital navigator by calling 311 or using the CLT+ app. Along with this there will be aid to free internet access with no modem fees, data caps or contracts.
Access Charlotte aims to bridge the gap of the digital divide in the greater Charlotte area. Access Charlotte will improve and size up to provide free Spectrum Internet and Advanced Wi-Fi to over 5,000 households and 15 community spaces. Using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Charlotte has implemented the two-year program to pay for in-home internet, as well as allocate dollars toward efforts related to digital navigators.
Households in the Access Charlotte program area are eligible for this initiative regardless of whether they are current Spectrum customers. Those who are not current customers can sign up to request a self-installation kit and start receiving the service by calling 1-855-326-5115 or visiting a specialized Spectrum website. Current customers will automatically be included in the program.

Volunteer: Internet Sign-Up Event Grier Park (Access Charlotte)
2023-06-27 15:30 - 17:30 | NC
June 27th, 3:30pm – 5:30pm
All residents living at Grier Park are invited to attend the Access Charlotte internet sign-up event hosted by the Center for Digital Equity! The City of Charlotte has partnered with Spectrum to launch the Access Charlotte program. Access Charlotte provides FREE high-speed internet to residents of your housing property. The Digital Navigator Service at the Center for Digital Equity
will visit your property to provide 1:1 guidance to help you sign up! Access Charlotte program participants will be served by digital navigators. Digital navigators are individuals whose purpose is to help meet digital needs such as technical support, education surrounding other available resources, and digital literacy training. Assistance can be requested from a digital navigator by calling 311 or using the CLT+ app. Along with this there will be aid to free internet access with no modem fees, data caps or contracts.
Access Charlotte aims to bridge the gap of the digital divide in the greater Charlotte area. Access Charlotte will improve and size up to provide free Spectrum Internet and Advanced Wi-Fi to over 5,000 households and 15 community spaces. Using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Charlotte has implemented the two-year program to pay for in-home internet, as well as allocate dollars toward efforts related to digital navigators.
Households in the Access Charlotte program area are eligible for this initiative regardless of whether they are current Spectrum customers. Those who are not current customers can sign up to request a self-installation kit and start receiving the service by calling 1-855-326-5115 or visiting a specialized Spectrum website. Current customers will automatically be included in the program.

Public Workstream Meeting: Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development
2023-06-27 16:00 - 17:00 | NC
You’re invited to our public monthly workstream meetings! We value the input of all Mecklenburg County residents, whether you just want to listen to the conversation or whether you’d like to become a full member of one of our workstreams. Each workstream is composed of local residents, public sector leaders, and private sector partners.
2023 is going to be a big year as we measure and find ways to show Mecklenburg County the work and progress. The Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem workstream will be offering some community engagement trainings, mapping digital resources and setting a policy/advocacy agenda. Our mission is to ensure alignment between community needs and policy at all levels of the ecosystem. Each meeting occurs the fourth Tuesday of every month.
Standing Meeting Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Date: June 27, 2023
Virtual Location: Join Teams Meeting
Workstream Program Director: Amy Crippen
RSVP: Complete this form to indicate your interest in joining a meeting.
**Note: You are still welcome to join the meeting if you don’t RSVP.

Overview of Workstreams at the CDE
The overall mission of the Center for Digital Equity is to make Mecklenburg county the most digitally equitable community in America, and each workstream tackles specific key performances indicators (KPIs) related to that broader goal.
The CDE is organized across five workstreams that generally correlate with our no-cost community services, which are as follows:

Support signing up for affordable home internet
Support finding a no or low-cost device
Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
Basic technical support

Workstream meetings are hosted monthly, and you’re welcome to join a different one each month to learn about the unique initiatives of our five workstreams:

Data, Research, and Program Measurement
Device and Connectivity
Digital Literacy and Skilling
Digital Navigation and Technical Support
Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development

Better with Barings: Charitable Partner Spotlight Event
2023-06-28 08:00 - 10:00 | Barings, 300 S. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC, 28202, United States
Better with Barings

Barings is hosting an in-person event to foster employee engagement with Barings’ charitable partners. Employees will have the opportunity to learn more about the work each organization is doing in the local community.
Barings’ Contributions to Charlotte
Community partnerships are a central component to the Barings culture. Barings has partnered with the CDE and E2D (Eliminate the Digital Divide) to host events within affordable housing complexes financed by Barings to distribute laptops and provide digital literacy training.
Outside of their partnership with the CDE, Barings is committed to preserving affordable housing and supporting youth. From Classroom Central to Communities in Schools and more, Barings supports a myriad of initiatives focused on expanding opportunities for students. Additionally, Barings provided a combined $70.1 million forward permanent loan commitment bifurcated into an affordable and market rate collateral structure as part of an innovative financing package to build a mixed-income apartment community in Uptown Charlotte, led by Urban Atlantic and INLIVIAN.

Volunteer: Internet Sign-Up Event Ashby Gardens (Access Charlotte)
2023-06-29 18:00 - 20:00 | NC
July 29th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
All residents living at Ashby Gardens are invited to attend the Access Charlotte internet sign-up event hosted by the Center for Digital Equity! The City of Charlotte has partnered with Spectrum to launch the Access Charlotte program. Access Charlotte provides FREE high-speed internet to residents of your housing property. The Digital Navigator Service at the Center for Digital Equity
will visit your property to provide 1:1 guidance to help you sign up! Access Charlotte program participants will be served by digital navigators. Digital navigators are individuals whose purpose is to help meet digital needs such as technical support, education surrounding other available resources, and digital literacy training. Assistance can be requested from a digital navigator by calling 311 or using the CLT+ app. Along with this there will be aid to free internet access with no modem fees, data caps or contracts.
Access Charlotte aims to bridge the gap of the digital divide in the greater Charlotte area. Access Charlotte will improve and size up to provide free Spectrum Internet and Advanced Wi-Fi to over 5,000 households and 15 community spaces. Using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Charlotte has implemented the two-year program to pay for in-home internet, as well as allocate dollars toward efforts related to digital navigators.
Households in the Access Charlotte program area are eligible for this initiative regardless of whether they are current Spectrum customers. Those who are not current customers can sign up to request a self-installation kit and start receiving the service by calling 1-855-326-5115 or visiting a specialized Spectrum website. Current customers will automatically be included in the program.

ACP Sign-Up Event: Woodlawn House (Inlivian)
2023-07-06 09:00 - 11:00 | 1315 E Woodlawn Road, 1315 E Woodlawn Road, Charlotte, NC, 28209, United States
July 6th, 9:00am – 11:00am
All members of the Woodlawn House community are invited to join the CDE to attend our internet sign-up even in the community room. At this event, we are sharing awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal benefit that provides eligible households with a $30 monthly discount on home internet, making many plans available at little or no cost. Digital Navigators will guide residents through the application process and help them apply the $30 discount to their internet service provider account.
Inlivian residents can click here to learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program and contact a Digital Navigator virtually for support: https://thecenterfordigitalequity-6276057.hs-sites.com/en/inlivian-your-home-your-internet

YHYI: INLIVIAN and CDE
This event is part of the Your Home, Your Internet (YHYI) campaign that launched in Charlotte on May 30, 2023 through a collaborative effort between Inlivian, CORE, CDE, and EducationSuperHighway. This is a yearlong campaign to connect all housing authority residents, who are automatically eligible for the $30 monthly ACP benefit, to high-speed home internet at little or no cost. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the “Your Home, Your Internet” pilot program to raise awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and awarded funds to select cities, including Charlotte, to support pilot-related activities, such as hosting events at Inlivian properties.

Public Community Council Meeting (July 6 - Virtual)
2023-07-06 15:30 - 17:00 | NC
You’re invited to our public monthly Community Council meetings! At the Center for Digital Equity (CDE), we value the input of all Mecklenburg County residents, whether you just want to listen to the conversation or whether you’d like to become a resident or organization partner of the CDE. Each Community Council meeting is held the first Thursday of the month from 3:30 – 5:00pm. Most meetings are virtual (see Zoom invite link below).

Time: 3:30pm – 5:00pm
Virtual Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84761210546

What is the Community Council?
The community council is a resident, public, private collaboration focused on producing recommendations on how Mecklenburg County can become the most digitally equitable community in America. Any resident in Mecklenburg County or public and private sector partner who operates within the county is welcome to join the council. The community council is governed by a co-created charter and led by workstream co-chairs who are elected by partners of the CDE.

Interested in becoming a member of the Community Council? Complete this interest form: https://share.hsforms.com/1JkmrAPzZRiC9oTPhbyI9RA3qimx

CDE Mission Statement
To make Mecklenburg County the most digital equitable community in America.

CDE Vision
The Center for Digital Equity is the backbone organization for a collective impact strategy bringing together residents, public, and private sector partners to co-create solutions allowing every resident the opportunity to thrive in our modern culture.

What are the CDE’s workstreams?
The CDE is organized across five workstreams that tackle specific key performances indicators (KPIs) related to our mission and generally correlate with our no-cost community services, which are as follows:

Support signing up for affordable home internet
Support finding a no or low-cost device
Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
Basic technical support

Workstream meetings are hosted monthly, and you’re welcome to join a different one each month to learn about their unique initiatives. You can find all the public workstream meetings on our events calendar. Our five workstreams are:

Data, Research, and Program Measurement
Device and Connectivity
Digital Literacy and Skilling
Digital Navigation and Technical Support
Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development

CDE History
The Center for Digital Equity (CDE) is an evolution of two key community initiatives; Digital Charlotte and the Charlotte Digital Inclusion Alliance and is housed at Queens University of Charlotte.
The CDE is supported by a grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

ACP Sign-Up Event: McAlpine Terrace (Inlivian)
2023-07-12 09:00 - 11:00 | 6130 Pineburr Road, 6130 Pineburr Road, Charlotte, NC, 28211, United States
July 12th, 9:00am – 11:00 am
All members of the McAlpine Terrace community are invited to join the CDE to attend our internet sign-up even in the community room. At this event, we are sharing awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal benefit that provides eligible households with a $30 monthly discount on home internet, making many plans available at little or no cost. Digital Navigators will guide residents through the application process and help them apply the $30 discount to their internet service provider account.
Inlivian residents can click here to learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program and contact a Digital Navigator virtually for support: https://thecenterfordigitalequity-6276057.hs-sites.com/en/inlivian-your-home-your-internet

YHYI: INLIVIAN and CDE
This event is part of the Your Home, Your Internet (YHYI) campaign that launched in Charlotte on May 30, 2023 through a collaborative effort between Inlivian, CORE, CDE, and EducationSuperHighway. This is a yearlong campaign to connect all housing authority residents, who are automatically eligible for the $30 monthly ACP benefit, to high-speed home internet at little or no cost. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the “Your Home, Your Internet” pilot program to raise awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and awarded funds to select cities, including Charlotte, to support pilot-related activities, such as hosting events at Inlivian properties.

ACP Sign-Up Event: Strawn Tower (Inlivian)
2023-07-13 09:00 - 11:00 | 1225 S Caldwell St, 1225 S Caldwell St, Charlotte, NC, 28203, United States
July 13th, 9:00am – 11:00 am
All members of the Strawn Tower community are invited to join the CDE to attend our internet sign-up even in the community room. At this event, we are sharing awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal benefit that provides eligible households with a $30 monthly discount on home internet, making many plans available at little or no cost. Digital Navigators will guide residents through the application process and help them apply the $30 discount to their internet service provider account.
Inlivian residents can click here to learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program and contact a Digital Navigator virtually for support: https://thecenterfordigitalequity-6276057.hs-sites.com/en/inlivian-your-home-your-internet

YHYI: INLIVIAN and CDE
This event is part of the Your Home, Your Internet (YHYI) campaign that launched in Charlotte on May 30, 2023 through a collaborative effort between Inlivian, CORE, CDE, and EducationSuperHighway. This is a yearlong campaign to connect all housing authority residents, who are automatically eligible for the $30 monthly ACP benefit, to high-speed home internet at little or no cost. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the “Your Home, Your Internet” pilot program to raise awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and awarded funds to select cities, including Charlotte, to support pilot-related activities, such as hosting events at Inlivian properties.

A Vibe Outside '23
2023-07-15 15:00 - 20:00 | NC
July 15th, 2023 from 3:00pm to 8:00pm
On July 15th, Applesauce Group will be activating their first community festival of the year; A Vibe Outside ’23. This year’s theme will be “ART OUT LOUD” as they celebrate Charlotte’s Black creative culture. Their festivals create and leverage invigorating and authentic experiences to create touchpoints of access to art, culture & life-enhancing resources. A Vibe Outside will take place at West Complex from 3:00pm-8:00pm, with load-in beginning at 12pm noon.

Here is the Eventbrite link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-vibe-outside-23-art-out-loud-tickets-664795871347

INLIVIAN- Autumn Place
2023-07-18 10:00 - 12:00 | Autumn Place, 321 N Davidson St, Charlotte, NC, 28202, United States
July 18th, 10:00am – 12:00 pm
All members of the Autumn Place community are invited to join the CDE to attend our internet sign-up even in the community room. At this event, we are sharing awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal benefit that provides eligible households with a $30 monthly discount on home internet, making many plans available at little or no cost. Digital Navigators will guide residents through the application process and help them apply the $30 discount to their internet service provider account.
Inlivian residents can click here to learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program and contact a Digital Navigator virtually for support: https://thecenterfordigitalequity-6276057.hs-sites.com/en/inlivian-your-home-your-internet

YHYI: INLIVIAN and CDE
This event is part of the Your Home, Your Internet (YHYI) campaign that launched in Charlotte on May 30, 2023 through a collaborative effort between Inlivian, CORE, CDE, and EducationSuperHighway. This is a yearlong campaign to connect all housing authority residents, who are automatically eligible for the $30 monthly ACP benefit, to high-speed home internet at little or no cost. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the “Your Home, Your Internet” pilot program to raise awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and awarded funds to select cities, including Charlotte, to support pilot-related activities, such as hosting events at Inlivian properties.

Public Workstream Meeting: Data, Research, and Program Measurement
2023-07-18 16:00 - 17:00 | NC
You’re invited to our public monthly workstream meetings! We value the input of all Mecklenburg County residents, whether you just want to listen to the conversation or whether you’d like to become a full member of one of our workstreams. Each workstream is composed of local residents, public sector leaders, and private sector partners.
Join the the Data, Research and Program Measurement Workstream meeting to learn how we’re collecting data on our progress and using different types of data to inform our decisions. Their mission is to connect the community and partners with the right level of key data elements to drive decisions. Each meeting occurs the third Tuesday of every month.
Standing Meeting Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Date: July 18, 2023
Virtual Location: Join Teams Meeting
Workstream Program Director: Amy Crippen
RSVP: Complete this form to indicate your interest in joining a meeting.
**Note: You are still welcome to join the meeting if you don’t RSVP.

Overview of Workstreams at the CDE
The overall mission of the Center for Digital Equity is to make Mecklenburg county the most digitally equitable community in America, and each workstream tackles specific key performances indicators (KPIs) related to that broader goal.
The CDE is organized across five workstreams that generally correlate with our no-cost community services, which are as follows:

Support signing up for affordable home internet
Support finding a no or low-cost device
Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
Basic technical support

Workstream meetings are hosted monthly, and you’re welcome to join a different one each month to learn about the unique initiatives of our five workstreams:

Data, Research, and Program Measurement
Device and Connectivity
Digital Literacy and Skilling
Digital Navigation and Technical Support
Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development

Public Workstream Meeting: Digital Navigation and Technical Support
2023-07-21 11:00 - 12:00 | NC
You’re invited to our public monthly workstream meetings! We value the input of all Mecklenburg County residents, whether you just want to listen to the conversation or whether you’d like to become a full member of one of our workstreams. Each workstream is composed of local residents, public sector leaders, and private sector partners.
Join the Digital Navigation and Technical Support Workstream meeting to learn how we’re managing and enhancing the county-wide Digital Navigator service at no-cost to residents. Our mission is to provide a sustainable and appropriate level of service to the community. Each meeting occurs the third Friday of every month at 11am ET.
Standing Meeting Time: 11:00am – 12:00pm
Date: July 21, 2023
Virtual Location: Join Teams Meeting
Workstream Leader: Bruce Clark (Executive Director of CDE)
RSVP: Complete this form to indicate your interest in joining a meeting.
**Note: You are still welcome to join the meeting if you don’t RSVP.

Overview of Workstreams at the CDE
The overall mission of the Center for Digital Equity is to make Mecklenburg county the most digitally equitable community in America, and each workstream tackles specific key performances indicators (KPIs) related to that broader goal.
The CDE is organized across five workstreams that generally correlate with our no-cost community services, which are as follows:

Support signing up for affordable home internet
Support finding a no or low-cost device
Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
Basic technical support

Workstream meetings are hosted monthly, and you’re welcome to join a different one each month to learn about the unique initiatives of our five workstreams:

Data, Research, and Program Measurement
Device and Connectivity
Digital Literacy and Skilling
Digital Navigation and Technical Support
Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development

Volunteer: Internet Sign-Up Event Harmony Place 2 (Access Charlotte)
2023-07-25 15:30 - 17:30 | NC
July 25th, 3:30pm – 5:30pm
All residents living at Harmony Place are invited to attend the Access Charlotte internet sign-up event hosted by the Center for Digital Equity! The City of Charlotte has partnered with Spectrum to launch the Access Charlotte program. Access Charlotte provides FREE high-speed internet to residents of your housing property. The Digital Navigator Service at the Center for Digital Equity will visit your property to provide 1:1 guidance to help you sign up!
Access Charlotte program participants will be served by digital navigators. Digital navigators are individuals whose purpose is to help meet digital needs such as technical support, education surrounding other available resources, and digital literacy training. Assistance can be requested from a digital navigator by calling 311 or using the CLT+ app. Along with this there will be aid to free internet access with no modem fees, data caps or contracts.
Access Charlotte aims to bridge the gap of the digital divide in the greater Charlotte area. Access Charlotte will improve and size up to provide free Spectrum Internet and Advanced Wi-Fi to over 5,000 households and 15 community spaces. Using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Charlotte has implemented the two-year program to pay for in-home internet, as well as allocate dollars toward efforts related to digital navigators.
Households in the Access Charlotte program area are eligible for this initiative regardless of whether they are current Spectrum customers. Those who are not current customers can sign up to request a self-installation kit and start receiving the service by calling 1-855-326-5115 or visiting a specialized Spectrum website. Current customers will automatically be included in the program.

Public Workstream Meeting: Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development
2023-07-25 16:00 - 17:00 | NC
You’re invited to our public monthly workstream meetings! We value the input of all Mecklenburg County residents, whether you just want to listen to the conversation or whether you’d like to become a full member of one of our workstreams. Each workstream is composed of local residents, public sector leaders, and private sector partners.
2023 is going to be a big year as we measure and find ways to show Mecklenburg County the work and progress. The Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem workstream will be offering some community engagement trainings, mapping digital resources and setting a policy/advocacy agenda. Our mission is to ensure alignment between community needs and policy at all levels of the ecosystem. Each meeting occurs the fourth Tuesday of every month.
Standing Meeting Time: 4:00pm – 5:00pm
Date: July 25, 2023
Virtual Location: Join Teams Meeting
Workstream Program Director: Amy Crippen
RSVP: Complete this form to indicate your interest in joining a meeting.
**Note: You are still welcome to join the meeting if you don’t RSVP.

Overview of Workstreams at the CDE
The overall mission of the Center for Digital Equity is to make Mecklenburg county the most digitally equitable community in America, and each workstream tackles specific key performances indicators (KPIs) related to that broader goal.
The CDE is organized across five workstreams that generally correlate with our no-cost community services, which are as follows:

Support signing up for affordable home internet
Support finding a no or low-cost device
Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
Basic technical support

Workstream meetings are hosted monthly, and you’re welcome to join a different one each month to learn about the unique initiatives of our five workstreams:

Data, Research, and Program Measurement
Device and Connectivity
Digital Literacy and Skilling
Digital Navigation and Technical Support
Policy, Advocacy, and Ecosystem Development

Volunteer: Internet Sign-Up Event Wendover Walk 2 (Access Charlotte)
2023-07-25 18:00 - 20:00 | NC
July 25th, 6:00pm – 8:00pm
All residents living at Wendover Walk are invited to attend the Access Charlotte internet sign-up event hosted by the Center for Digital Equity! The City of Charlotte has partnered with Spectrum to launch the Access Charlotte program. Access Charlotte provides FREE high-speed internet to residents of your housing property. The Digital Navigator Service at the Center for Digital Equity
will visit your property to provide 1:1 guidance to help you sign up! Access Charlotte program participants will be served by digital navigators. Digital navigators are individuals whose purpose is to help meet digital needs such as technical support, education surrounding other available resources, and digital literacy training. Assistance can be requested from a digital navigator by calling 311 or using the CLT+ app. Along with this there will be aid to free internet access with no modem fees, data caps or contracts.
Access Charlotte aims to bridge the gap of the digital divide in the greater Charlotte area. Access Charlotte will improve and size up to provide free Spectrum Internet and Advanced Wi-Fi to over 5,000 households and 15 community spaces. Using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Charlotte has implemented the two-year program to pay for in-home internet, as well as allocate dollars toward efforts related to digital navigators.
Households in the Access Charlotte program area are eligible for this initiative regardless of whether they are current Spectrum customers. Those who are not current customers can sign up to request a self-installation kit and start receiving the service by calling 1-855-326-5115 or visiting a specialized Spectrum website. Current customers will automatically be included in the program.

Volunteer: Internet Sign-Up Event Harmony Place (Access Charlotte)
2023-07-27 15:30 - 17:30 | NC
July 27th, 3:30pm- 5:30pm
All residents living at Harmony Place are invited to attend the Access Charlotte internet sign-up event hosted by the Center for Digital Equity! The City of Charlotte has partnered with Spectrum to launch the Access Charlotte program. Access Charlotte provides FREE high-speed internet to residents of your housing property. The Digital Navigator Service at the Center for Digital Equity
will visit your property to provide 1:1 guidance to help you sign up! Access Charlotte program participants will be served by digital navigators. Digital navigators are individuals whose purpose is to help meet digital needs such as technical support, education surrounding other available resources, and digital literacy training. Assistance can be requested from a digital navigator by calling 311 or using the CLT+ app. Along with this there will be aid to free internet access with no modem fees, data caps or contracts.
Access Charlotte aims to bridge the gap of the digital divide in the greater Charlotte area. Access Charlotte will improve and size up to provide free Spectrum Internet and Advanced Wi-Fi to over 5,000 households and 15 community spaces. Using funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, Charlotte has implemented the two-year program to pay for in-home internet, as well as allocate dollars toward efforts related to digital navigators.
Households in the Access Charlotte program area are eligible for this initiative regardless of whether they are current Spectrum customers. Those who are not current customers can sign up to request a self-installation kit and start receiving the service by calling 1-855-326-5115 or visiting a specialized Spectrum website. Current customers will automatically be included in the program.

Volunteer: ACP Sign-Up Event: 940 Brevard (Inlivian)
2023-08-01 10:00 - 12:00 | 904 Brevard, 904 N Brevard St, Charlotte, NC, 28206, United States
Complete our Volunteer Form to sign up for this event: https://share.hsforms.com/1UETgTAgST665mOr3GwjGBQ3qimx
All members of the 904 Brevard community are invited to join the CDE to attend our internet sign-up even in the community room. At this event, we are sharing awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal benefit that provides eligible households with a $30 monthly discount on home internet, making many plans available at little or no cost. Digital Navigators will guide residents through the application process and help them apply the $30 discount to their internet service provider account.
Inlivian residents can click here to learn more about the Affordable Connectivity Program and contact a Digital Navigator virtually for support: https://thecenterfordigitalequity-6276057.hs-sites.com/en/inlivian-your-home-your-internet

YHYI: INLIVIAN and CDE
This event is part of the Your Home, Your Internet (YHYI) campaign that launched in Charlotte on May 30, 2023 through a collaborative effort between Inlivian, CORE, CDE, and EducationSuperHighway. This is a yearlong campaign to connect all housing authority residents, who are automatically eligible for the $30 monthly ACP benefit, to high-speed home internet at little or no cost. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created the “Your Home, Your Internet” pilot program to raise awareness of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and awarded funds to select cities, including Charlotte, to support pilot-related activities, such as hosting events at Inlivian properties.
