Public Community Council Meeting (April 3rd – Virtual)

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/meeting/register/tZAvdu6vqj8qHtL2s66oN22YhKtfuWSugdck

Support for English Language Learners in our Community

Adult English learners encounter significant barriers to digital access, including the affordability of devices and internet services, low levels of digital literacy, and language difficulties when navigating online platforms. These challenges limit their ability to access ESL resources, apply for jobs, and develop necessary technology skills, ultimately affecting their language learning and integration into the workforce.

Community programs, public institutions, and employer initiatives can play crucial roles in addressing these issues by offering affordable technology programs, digital literacy training, and multilingual support. Expanding access to digital tools and resources is vital for improving education, employment opportunities, and social inclusion in these communities. 

Panelists include:

• Saira Estrada, Language Access and Immigration Integration Coordinator at U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
• Lauren Rogers, Director of Community Outreach at International House.
• Nimish Bhatt, Director at Universal Institute for Successful Aging of Carolinas (UISAC).
• Charlotte “Nadja” Trez, Executive Director of Learning & Language Acquisition at Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools.

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? Visit our Partner Engagement Landing Page to learn more and request to join our ecosystem of partners.  

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:

1. Support signing up for affordable home internet
2. Support finding a no or low-cost device
3. Support connecting with and enrolling in digital skilling programs
4. 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.