Governor Cooper Establishes Nation's First Office of Digital Equity and Literacy

Governor Roy Cooper announced the creation of a new Office of Digital Equity and Literacy, a first for North Carolina and the first in the nation. The office is part of the newly created Division of Broadband and Digital Equity within the North Carolina Department of Information Technology (NCDIT), elevating Gov Cooper's priority to close the digital divide in North Carolina. NCDIT Secretary Jim Weaver has named Nate Denny as the new Deputy Secretary of Broadband and Digital Equity. Jeremy Collins, who served as director of the NC@High Speed initiative in Gov. Cooper's Hometown Strong office, will lead the Office of Digital Equity and Literacy. NCDIT's expanded Broadband and Digital Equity division will be charged with executing Gov Cooper's plan to expand digital literacy offerings and partnerships across North Carolina, including spending $165 million on efforts to achieve digital equity and literacy for all North Carolinians. It will also lead the Digital Equity and Inclusion Collaborative and promote the NC Digital Inclusion Playbook for local municipalities.