Join the CDE’s ConnectTech or ConnectTech+ digital skilling initiatives, designed to support communities throughout Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, Gaston, and Union Counties.
Together, we help people build digital confidence and workforce readiness skills, earn credentials, and take home a device — while community organizations build lasting capacity to support digital skills programming.
ConnectTech and ConnectTech+ Work digital skilling programs are offered in English or Spanish as preferred by participants and delivered by CDE Digital Navigators.
Apply to Host a ConnectTech or ConnectTech+ Class
- Applications Open: May 22
- Application Close: June 12
- Applicant Notifications: June 19
- ConnectTech+ Timeframe: July – November
- ConnectTech Timeframe: September – November
Want to Learn More?
Register to join one of our information sessions:
- Tuesday, May 26 from 12:30pm – 1:15pm
- Friday, June 5 from 9am – 9:45am
- Monday, June 8 from 4pm – 4:45pm
Why Partner with CDE
Help community members build digital skills and confidence to thrive in a connected world.
CDE provides your staff with training, toolkits, and ongoing support to lead repeatable, high-quality classes.
More than 100 local organizations have partnered with CDE to expand digital opportunity across the Carolinas.
How the Program Works
Submit an application to host a ConnectTech and/or ConnectTech+ program and join a network of organizations advancing digital opportunity together.
Selected partners receive confirmation of acceptance and a Welcome Packet. CDE offers on-site consultation via site visits for new organizational partners. All organizational partners participate in an in-person orientation and kickoff meeting.
Use CDE’s customizable outreach toolkit — flyers, social posts, and email templates — to fill your class with community members.
Organizational on-site coordinators and/or facilitator assistants may participate in a series of sessions hosted by CDE focused on program setup and shared learning, culminating in a meeting to share and celebrate program outcomes and gather feedback.
CDE offers two options for class delivery
Track 1: CDE Digital Navigator facilitators lead all aspects of course delivery, facilitating sessions and supporting learners every step of the way. This track is ideal for organizations looking to offer high-quality digital skills programming with full facilitation support from CDE.
Track 2: CDE Digital Navigator facilitators lead instruction while training a staff member from your organization to support learners during and beyond the course. This track builds your team’s ability to sustain digital skills support over time.
Learners who successfully complete two (ConnectTech) or three (ConnectTech+) Northstar Digital Literacy assessments earn a laptop to keep — a milestone that connects learning to work, life, and health.
Partner Roles and CDE Support
When you join ConnectTech, you’re never doing it alone. CDE walks alongside your team from setup to celebration.
Your Org Provides
- Designate a site coordinator or facilitator assistant and participate in program sessions
- Recruit and enroll eligible community members
- Provide a safe, connected learning space
CDE Provides
- Recruitment toolkit (flyers, posts, email templates)
- Northstar Digital Literacy access + bilingual materials (English & Spanish)
- A dedicated Digital Navigator for facilitation or co-support
- Training, guides, and ongoing coaching for facilitator assistants
- Laptops for learners who meet completion goals
- Program and learner progress reports for each organization
Together, we ensure every partner — and every learner — has the tools, training, and support to turn learning into opportunity.
Quick Facts
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| ConnectTech Program Length | 8–9 hours of in-person instruction |
| ConnectTech+ Program Length | 14–16 hours of in-person instruction |
| Class Size | ~15 learners |
| Languages | English or Spanish |
| Curriculum | Northstar Digital Literacy as the base for learning |
| Cost | Free to the organizations and the learners |
| Outcome | Learners build digital confidence and workforce readiness skills, earn credentials, and receive a laptop |
Frequently Asked Questions
Be a mission-aligned organization
- Operate within the areas of workforce development, health, education, community services, or digital opportunity.
- Share CDE’s commitment to advancing digital and economic opportunities.
Serve an eligible population
- Support adults (18+) who are unemployed, underemployed, or seeking to improve digital skills.
Provide a community-based learning environment
- Offer a safe, accessible location for participants to attend in-person.
- Have reliable internet connectivity and space for small group learning (if hosting sessions on-site).
Commit to collaborative program delivery
- Designate an on-site coordinator to support participant engagement
- Participate in an orientation session and partner meetings hosted by CDE.
- Follow CDE’s program guidelines, participant tracking requirements, and branding standards.
Ensure participant support and wraparound services
- Provide or connect participants with resources that support completion (e.g., transportation, childcare, career counseling, or case management).
Data and impact reporting compliance
- Agree that CDE can collect and share participant attendance and outcome data. CDE will analyze and share program outcomes with partner organizations.
- Participate in program evaluation and storytelling to demonstrate community impact.
- Host Class Sessions:
Provide a consistent, safe, and welcoming learning space for participants. Ensure the environment has adequate equipment, seating, and connectivity. - Recruit and Enroll Eligible Participants:
Identify and recruit learners who meet the established participant criteria. Support outreach through your organization’s existing networks and community channels. - Maintain Active Communication:
Keep participants informed of program requirements in advance of registration, including class schedules, attendance and program completion requirements. Notify CDE of any participant challenges or withdrawals. - Provide Wraparound Support:
Offer or connect participants to supportive services such as transportation, childcare, case management, or job placement assistance to promote program completion and long-term success. - Ensure Equipment and Connectivity:
Maintain reliable internet and technology resources during training sessions. - Attend Partner Meetings and Training:
Participate in program related partner convenings, orientation sessions, and professional development opportunities facilitated by CDE. - Provide Feedback:
Offer constructive feedback on curriculum delivery, participant outcomes, and operational processes to help enhance future cohorts. - Use Approved Branding:
Include program and CDE branding in promotional materials as outlined in the cohort training. All external communication about the program should align with CDE’s messaging and mission. - Share Success Stories:
Highlight participant achievements and milestones through your organization’s communication channels (with the participant’s appropriate consent), tagging CDE to amplify impact. - Represent the Program Professionally:
Ensure that all staff and volunteers connected to ConnectTech maintain a positive, professional presence consistent with the program’s values.
View the ConnectTechProgram Requirements
Get Involved
Join the ConnectTech partner network and help community members gain the skills — and access — to thrive in today’s digital world.
Questions? Email Susana Jerez, Program Manager, at [email protected].
