Explore Partnership Pathways
Whether you’re just beginning to explore digital opportunity, ready to co-create solutions, or leading large-scale change, there’s a place for you in our partnership network.
Benefits for All Partners
- Join a trusted network of organizations expanding digital opportunity
- Gain insight into community needs and practical solutions
- Access updates, shared resources, and collaboration opportunities
- Connect with CDE’s Digital Navigator network for referrals and support
Expectations for All Partners
- Complete the Partnership Engagement Form
- Share perspectives and learn alongside other partners
- Support digital opportunity in your community in ways that fit your capacity
Ways to Partner
Partners engage with CDE in different ways, based on their goals, capacity, and interests.
Explorer
Best for organizations beginning their digital opportunity journey
- Connect with a diverse partner network
- Join conversations and focus groups
- Receive the monthly partner newsletter
- Access Digital Navigator connections
- Explore collaboration opportunities
Innovator
Best for partners ready to co-create and deepen involvement
- Includes all Explorer benefits
- Co-design pilot projects and solutions
- Early access to data and insights
- Priority invites to events and trainings
- Collaborate with Digital Navigators
Champion
Best for partners leading long-term digital opportunity efforts
- Includes all Innovator benefits
- Co-lead major initiatives and programs
- Custom insights and strategic support
- Shared storytelling and visibility
- Eligibility for investments and stipends
Let’s Design the Right Approach Together!
Some organizations need something beyond our partnership pathways. We work with partners to design custom collaborations, services, and strategies that align with your goals and community needs.
Partner Impact in Action
Hear from partners, volunteers, and community members working together to expand access, skills, and opportunity through technology.
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COMMUNITYIMPACTPARTNERSBuilding Opportunity Through Service
AmeriCorps members expand digital opportunity with CDE through one-on-one support, service, and community connection. -
INITIATIVESCOMMUNITYPARTNERSConnectTech + Goodwill
Goodwill and the CDE partner through ConnectTech to expand digital skills training and unlock new opportunities. -
PARTNERSOpening Pathways to Healthcare Careers
CDE and Novant Health partnered to expand access to healthcare careers through technology and mentorship. -
PARTNERSShaping the Future: Sathish and Aarnav’s Story
Sathish and Aarnav turn CDE volunteer work into a shared mission to expand digital access and inspire community connection. -
PARTNERSCreating Digital Pathways Together
CDE and the YMCA partnered to offer Spanish-language digital skills training for immigrant families in Charlotte.
What Our Partners Say
Lasting digital opportunity requires more than access alone—it requires collaboration. Our partners reflect on how shared investment in devices, training, and trusted relationships leads to meaningful, long-term outcomes.
Testimonials
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Partnering with CDE reinforced what we know works—combining device access with training and support. Together, we’ve seen an increase in digital literacy across our community.Charlitta HatchChief Data and Analytics OfficerCity of Charlotte -
Through our partnership with CDE, we’ve been able to expand digital skills programming for seniors across Charlotte—meeting people in trusted spaces like the public library.Bill LisnerskiTech Titans 50+ TrainerAARP -
Partnering with CDE has been really beneficial to our work addressing the digital divide in Mecklenburg County. From the beginning, they understood where the gaps were and how to respond.Pat MillenCo-Founder and PresidentE2D -
Working with the Center for Digital Equity has helped us better support our older residents. Through this partnership, access to technology has become a way for people to stay connected to their families and communities.David FlynnInformation Technology Director at HabitatHumanity Charlotte -
Having the CDE in the Charlotte community has been an invaluable connector between industries, organizations, and local individuals, both saving time and stress for community members and helping each organization directly fulfill its mission.Emery OrtizChief Strategy and Innovation OfficerCharlotte-Mecklenburg Library
Plans and Council Resources
Explore our shared goals, long-term plans, and council meeting materials, including notes and videos.
