Folio Theme
Digital Equity
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.
What would you like to learn?
Special thanks to the Center for Digital Equity for providing guidance on core content as Lead Agency for this folio.
What is digital equity?
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.
Key Facts
Scroll down for key facts on digital equity
14%
of homes in Mecklenburg County did not have internet access in 2023
90%
of jobs in North Carolina now require digital proficiency
8,600
households connected to free home-internet services through the City of Charlotte’s “Access Charlotte” initiative
3,789
community help requests made to the Center for Digital Equity for digital navigation services in 2025
70K
Mecklenburg County residents lost critical internet affordability support when the Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024
100/20
megabits per second (Mmps) is the commonly accepted threshold for reliable internet
Sources
- Group Works to Advance Digital Equity in Charlotte, N.C.
- Advancing Digital Equity Together: Goodwill and The Center for Digital Equity Empower Communities
- Access Charlotte Pilot Summary
- Center for Digital Equity Collective Impact Annual Report
- 70K Mecklenburg Co. residents to be impacted by end of Affordable Connectivity Program
- Broadband Speeds Get Long Overdue Boost
What is happening now?
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.
Donate or volunteer now
To explore additional nonprofits working in Digital Equity, visit SHARE Charlotte’s directory for Digital Literacy, Technology, and Library.
Take Action
Choose a card below to learn more.
Learn Who is Leading
Give Back Financially
Volunteer
Educate Yourself
Support a Young Person’s Future
Align Priorities
Starting points
These six organizations are good starting points for someone new to this topic to learn more.
Charlotte is home to a growing network of people and organizations who believe in building a stronger, more connected community for all.
Explore more resources below.
Explore More
Partners with community members, organizations, and institutions to make sure technology works for people — in everyday life, at work, and across communities.
Mecklenburg County’s workforce board, which empowers job seekers by supporting their employment and training needs through the NCWorks Career Center.
Provides entrepreneurial mentorship and digital skills training for justice-impacted individuals and Black millennials.
The library doesn’t just provide Wi-Fi; it builds digital confidence through a variety of services.
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.
Collects used laptops from generous corporations and individuals, refurbishes them in student-led technology labs, and distributes them to individuals and families.
Through the CDE’s ConnectTech program, participants learn essential digital skills that open doors to employment, education, and overall independence.
The North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) leads North Carolina’s efforts to promote independence for people with disabilities through access to technology.
A collection of classes and programs on technology, fitness, and creativity for communities of older adults.
Tools and Resources
Everything you need in one place. Browse articles, reports, and tools that support your journey.
Lingo to Know
Every topic has its own vocabulary. Learn a few key words here so you can explore with confidence.
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.
Download the Digital Equity folio
Special thanks to cover artist, Junior Gomez!
Connecting the Dots
View related folios
Builder Button → Share Your Feedback With Us
Let's Build Something Awesome Together
We didn’t build this alone – and we’re not done yet. This site grows with input from real people across Charlotte. Got feedback? A topic we missed? A story to share? Click the Builder Button below.
Builder Button → Share Your Feedback With Us
Let's Build Something Awesome Together
We didn’t build this alone – and we’re not done yet. This site grows with input from real people across Charlotte. Got feedback? A topic we missed? A story to share? Click the Builder Button below.
