North Carolina State Office of Digital Equity and Literacy Launches Digital Champion Grant Program

Governor Roy Cooper (D-NC) launched North Carolina’s Digital Champion Grant program, which will help North Carolinians afford high-speed internet, obtain digital devices, and access digital literacy resources. The North Carolina Department of Information Technology’s Office of Digital Equity and Literacy will administer the program with $14 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act funds with the goal of expanding digital equity programming and advancing digital inclusion. Through this grant program, the Office of Digital Equity and Literacy will establish partnerships with organizations across the state to implement digital equity solutions that positively impact target populations identified in the Digital Equity Act, including low-income households; individuals who primarily reside in a rural area; older Americans/aging residents; incarcerated or justice involved; veterans; individuals with disabilities; individuals with a language barrier; and individuals who are members of a racial or ethnic minority group. To qualify for funding, applicants must be one of the following types of entities: community services (including local governments, county libraries and K-12 school systems); nonprofit organizations; higher education institutions (including individual schools, colleges or centers within the system); or regional entities (including councils of governments).  All projects must develop or expand digital equity programming and address at least one of the following elements of digital inclusion:

• Affordability of reliable high-speed internet
• Provision of internet-enabled devices (computer, laptops, etc.) that meet users' needs
• Access to digital literacy and skills training 
• Quality technical support
• Applications and online content designed to increase accessibility and inclusivity

Applications will be accepted online through Jan. 9, 2024