Shaping the Future – Together
Mindset | A father and son turn CDE volunteer work into a shared mission to expand digital access and inspire community connection.
Building an Ecosystem for Digital Opportunity, One Community at a Time
This year, the Center for Digital Equity made one thing clear: lasting digital inclusion is built with people, not just programs. Across North Carolina, we embedded support in neighborhoods, trained a new generation of community leaders, launched tools that address real needs, and deepened partnerships that make digital access possible and personal.
From distributing thousands of devices to co-developing multilingual cybersecurity curriculum, we turned strategy into systems and stories into sustainable impact.
This report reflects a year of bold progress, collective action, and a shared belief that digital opportunity should reach everyone, everywhere.
For a quick overview, you can also download our summary in PDF format.
Highlights from FY25
46,000+ Hours
of Digital Skilling
3,789 Requests
for Help
100+ Partner Orgs
Onboarded
Digital Navigator Support: Developing an Empowered Community
Our Digital Navigator (DN) team grew to 20 members and responded to 3,789 community help requests, providing personalized, case-managed support tailored to each resident’s needs. With 90+ percent resident satisfaction and new office hours embedded at high-traffic community locations, we’re turning one-time assistance into ongoing digital confidence.
Partnerships: A Model That Meets Organizations Where They Are
We activated a new multi-level partnership model, engaging over 100 organizations and offering tailored orientation, training, and connections. This approach unlocked new collaborations, improved service coordination, and helped partners embed digital access directly into their programming.
Ecosystem Growth: Expanding Reach, Deepening Impact
This year, we launched six new digital inclusion initiatives, expanded into three additional counties, and supported 29 organizations with curriculum, tools, and staff training. These efforts are laying the foundation for a resilient, interconnected digital equity ecosystem across North Carolina.
Our Expanding Footprint
From bustling urban centers to rural communities across North Carolina, the CDE is building a future where every individual can confidently navigate and benefit from today’s connected world. In partnership with local governments, community organizations, and trusted allies, we’ve established a growing network of Digital Navigators, community-based services, and training opportunities.
This map illustrates the reach of that work—each marker representing a community engaged, a partnership formed, and a step forward in making digital access meaningful and lasting for all North Carolinians.
Companion Plan
This year’s collaboration with the Centralina Regional Council – representing Anson, Cabarrus, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union counties – shows the power of partnering with organizations deeply committed to making digital access a reality for their communities. As we continue to expand our regional footprint, Centralina’s collaborative efforts support the future of opportunities across North Carolina. Read the 2025 Centralina Regional Digital Opportunity Plan.
A Letter from the Executive Director
In his annual letter, Executive Director Bruce Clark reflects on a milestone year of community-powered progress. From expanding Digital Navigator support to building resilient, mission-aligned infrastructure, the Center for Digital Equity is growing into the future with trust, urgency, and care.
Voices from the Ecosystem
Hear from our ecosystem partners—in their own words. Their voices reflect the trust, creativity, and collective strength at the heart of our work, and a shared belief that digital access is essential for thriving communities. Together, we’re building lasting change that starts with relationships and grows through collaboration.
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“Our partnership with the Center for Digital Equity has been a game-changer for the women we serve. By providing laptops, CDE didn’t just hand out equipment—they unlocked access. These tools have allowed our participants to learn digital skills, launch businesses, and reclaim power in a tech-driven world.”
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"Partnering with CDE has strengthened our mission and expanded our reach in meaningful ways. Through Access Charlotte and the Digital Navigation program, we’ve been able to foster stronger communication, build lasting relationships with property managers and residents, and collaborate more effectively around digital literacy and internet access.”
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“Our partnership with the Center for Digital Equity has been transformative. It’s not just about access to technology—it’s about access to opportunity. By connecting participants with employment, devices, and internet, we’ve closed critical gaps and equipped people with the tools and confidence to fully engage in today’s economy.”
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Impact in Practice
At the Center for Digital Equity, we believe sustainability means embedding lasting change into the fabric of communities. Our model is rooted in three elements: a shared commitment to digital equity (mindset), strong cross-sector partnerships (network), and systems that communities can own and grow (infrastructure). Together, these components ensure that progress isn’t just possible—it’s permanent. And when they come together, they create the conditions for real impact, just like the stories below.
Creating Digital Pathways – Together
Network | CDE and the YMCA partnered to offer Spanish-language digital skills training for immigrant families in Charlotte.
Empowering Digital Leaders – Together
Infrastructure | Damari came for a laptop and found purpose—now he supports others as a CDE Digital Navigator through AmeriCorps.
Building Digital Confidence – Together
Sustainability | A senior builds digital skills and confidence with CDE through trusted, on-site support in her own community.
Objectives & Key Results
At the CDE, we believe that meaningful progress occurs when strategy, systems, and relationships evolve in tandem. This year, we invested across every layer of our work—from building trusted partnerships and expanding community-led programming to strengthening our internal operations and sharpening our data practices. These efforts reflect a singular goal: to create a more connected, collaborative, and resilient digital equity ecosystem, powered by community and designed for lasting impact.
Explore how collective action, community insight, and operational growth shaped our year — section by section.
Take a closer look at how we’ve invested in the people, programs, and partnerships building a more connected North Carolina in our FY25 Financials.
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