Digital Equity

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Digital equity is achieved when every person in a community has the access, skills, tools, and support needed to thrive in society – regardless of income, race, disability, or education level.

It goes beyond internet access. Remote work and virtual learning during the COVID-19 pandemic showed that connectivity is now as important to our communities as electricity.

Improving digital equity means providing affordable, reliable, high-speed internet in our homes and community spaces. It means access to devices such as laptops or tablets, and digital skills, including the ability to properly use software and protect personal data.

It requires technical support and training, and ensuring platforms work for people with disabilities and language barriers.

Prioritizing digital equity removes obstacles to employment, upward mobility, and handling technology shifts such as learning AI skills. Without it, we can be blocked from tasks crucial for advancing in society, such as applying for jobs, completing schoolwork, or managing finances.

Communities investing in device distribution, digital skills, and software usable by the widest possible audiences, are giving us the tools to succeed.

Why it matters locallyWhat is happening now (current state)

In Charlotte, digital equity has shifted from a fringe issue to a core economic mobility priority, as areas with a widespread lack of digital access often overlap with high poverty rates.The Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative (MREI) was launched in 2021, with the goal of removing barriers and bringing equal opportunities and outcomes for communities of color. As a result, the Center for Digital Equity was created to provide devices, internet access, and digital education in vulnerable communities.

In addition, initiatives in the public sector, like the City of Charlotte’s Access Charlotte program, have expanded free and subsidized internet options, connecting thousands of households.

These efforts extend beyond providing services, as progress in Charlotte depends on coordination across public sector partners, libraries, schools, trusted community organizations, workforce partners, employers, and other support organizations.

Even with the emergence of this connected ecosystem around digital equity, many Mecklenburg County households still lack broadband access or rely on limited mobile/dial-up connections. This hinders the ability to participate in remote work, online job searches, and virtual education.

Additional strategies such as embedding digital literacy into training programs can help make a difference, especially in disadvantaged areas.

Source body (legacy synthetic packet, optional)

Digital equity is a basic access issue. As more civic, educational, health, and economic activity moves online, the ability to connect and use digital tools becomes part of daily participation. A resident may need digital access to apply for a job, help a child with schoolwork, schedule an appointment, renew benefits, compare housing options, start a business, or contact a public agency.

Access is not only about whether the internet exists in a place. It is also about whether service is affordable, reliable, and fast enough for real household needs. It includes whether people have a working device with a full keyboard or screen when the task requires one. It includes whether platforms are designed for people with disabilities, language needs, limited time, or limited experience with online forms.

Digital skills are just as important as hardware and connectivity. People need to know how to search for trustworthy information, manage passwords, avoid scams, upload documents, use email, join video calls, and understand privacy choices. These skills are learned over time and often require patient, trusted support.

For institutions, digital equity means designing systems that are usable by the public, not only efficient for the provider. A form that is hard to understand, a portal that times out, or a process that requires repeated uploads can become a real barrier. Strong digital equity work keeps non-digital pathways available, supports navigators, and treats resident experience as evidence.

Digital equity also shapes whether new technology benefits the whole community. AI tools, online learning platforms, telehealth, digital banking, and workforce training all depend on access and confidence. A region that wants inclusive opportunity has to treat digital access as civic infrastructure alongside transportation, education, and community services.

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6 facts
9 organizations
7 tools
5 articles
6 glossary terms
7 take-action items

Key facts

14% of homes in Mecklenburg County did not have internet access in 2023 source
90% of jobs in North Carolina now require digital proficiency source
8,600 households connected to free home-internet services through the City of Charlotte’s “Access Charlotte” initiative source
3,789 community help requests made to the Center for Digital Equity for digital navigation services in 2025 source
70K Mecklenburg County residents lost critical internet affordability support when the Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024 source
100/20megabits per second (Mmps) is the commonly accepted threshold for reliable internet source

Key organizations

Center for Digital EquityPartners with community members, organizations, and institutions to make sure technology works for people — in everyday life, at work, and across communities.thecenterfordigitalequity.org
Charlotte WorksMecklenburg County’s workforce board, which empowers job seekers by supporting their employment and training needs through the NCWorks Career Center.charlotteworks.com/services/career-services/
City Startup LabsProvides entrepreneurial mentorship and digital skills training for justice-impacted individuals and Black millennials.citystartuplabs.com
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Library SystemOffers a variety of free digital literacy programs for both beginners and those looking to enhance their technology skills.digitalbranch.cmlibrary.org/digital-literacy
Charlotte Digital Inclusion Alliance (CDIA)Endeavors to reduce the digital divide in Mecklenburg County from 19% to 9% by 2026 by developing a digital inclusion playbook that encapsulates the work of the CDIA.https://www.charlottedigitalinclusionalliance.org/
City of Charlotte: Smart CharlotteFocuses on STEAM learning, increasing access, opportunities and skills for students in under-represented communities.digi-bridge.org
Do Greater CharlotteCollects used laptops from generous corporations and individuals, refurbishes them in student-led technology labs, and distributes them to student families.https://www.e-2-d.org/
Goodwill Industries of the Southern PiedmontThrough the CDE’s ConnectTech program, participants learn essential digital skills that open doors to employment, education, and overall independence.goodwillsp.org/news/digital-equity-cde-partners
North Carolina Assistive Technology ProgramA collection of classes and programs on technology, fitness, and creativity for communities of older adults.https://seniorplanet.org/

Tools and resources

The Center for Digital Equity Impact ReportMetrics on how the organization is addressing digital needs while continuing to be focused on the future.https://thecenterfordigitalequity.org/impact/
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library Digital Inclusion ResourcesOffers free digital literacy classes, workshops, and access to computers at various locations.https://www.cmlibrary.org/digilit
E2DNon-profit collects and refurbishes used laptops, then distributes them to student families who don't have a computer at home.https://www.e-2-d.org/
Goodwill Industries of the Southern PiedmontDigital Navigators from the Center for Digital Equity are on-site in Charlotte and Gastonia to teach the basics, navigation, and more.https://goodwillsp.org/job-career-services/skill-building-workshops/#cde
North Carolina Assistive TechnologyThe North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) leads North Carolina's efforts to promote independence for people with disabilities through access to technology.Programncdhhs.gov/divisions/eipd/north-carolina-assistive-technology-program
Socialbridge NCA digital resource hub from the North Carolina Division of Aging.https://socialbridgingnc.org/digital-equity-resources
TechRising CharlotteAn initiative led by the AvidXchange Foundation in partnership with a cross-sectoral group of organizations that strives to bridge the digital divide in Charlotte through its annual summit.https://www.techrisingclt.org/

Articles and reports

Glossary

Broadband: The transmission of data over a high-speed internet connection.
Civic processes: Actions we take as individuals and with groups, including voting, to address issues of public concern in an effort to improve our community and quality of life.
Digital skills: The range of abilities needed to use, manage, and interact with digital technologies, including computers, software, and mobile devices.
Platforms: An online system, app, or website through which a digital service is provided or digital products are sold.
Remote work: When employees execute their job duties outside typical office settings, generally using computers and other electronic devices.
Upward mobility: How we move to a higher social status or income, often driven by education or career advancement.

Take action

learnLearn Who is LeadingLearn more about key organizations leading and coordinating around digital equity in the community. fftcfwd.net/digital-equity
giveGive Back FinanciallyDonate to a 501(c)(3) nonprofit whose mission focuses on digital equity, or who offers technology-related programming. Donate directly: sharecharlotte.org Give through a fund: fftc.org
volunteerVolunteerVolunteer for a nonprofit whose mission focuses on digital equity, or that offers technology-related programming. Visit SHARE Charlotte’s website for volunteer opportunities: sharecharlotte.org
educateEducate YourselfSource and read trusted information on the rapidly changing digital space, including emerging AI technologies.
advocateSupport a Young Person’s Future
learnEncourage youth in your networks to pursue opportunities that will lead to work that will help bridge the digital divide, whether it be apprenticeships, internships or higher education.
alignAlign PrioritiesCorporations and foundations can align strategic community and philanthropic priorities around issues related to bridging the digital divide, especially as it pertains to workforce development.