How one Charlotte, North Carolina group plans to bridge the digital divide

The Center for Digital Equity, a local hub operating from Queens University of Charlotte working to bring critically needed technology, computers and digital literacy to residents in Mecklenburg County (NC). But being without a laptop is only part of the issue. The lack of technology can hinder residents from being able to take care of daily tasks like paying bills, checking the bus schedule or making health appointments. According to CDE, more than 14 percent of homes in Mecklenburg County, almost 56,000 households, do not have internet access. The Center for Digital Equity is an evolution of two key community initiatives: Digital Charlotte and the Charlotte Digital Inclusion Alliance. Their mission is to make Mecklenburg County a more digitally equitable area. This includes having digital navigators help local residents with learning new digital skills, figuring out basic device and connectivity issues, signing residents up for affordable home broadband internet service and buying affordable technology.