Female CDE Digital Navigator leaning over a table to support a senior resident apply for affordable internet on an iPad

Why Partner with Us?

Together, We Are Creating, Strengthening, and Activating Digital Equity

At the Center for Digital Equity (CDE), we drive a robust ecosystem that fosters digital inclusion across the Carolina region. As a convener and connector, we bring together a diverse network of partners comprising residents, companies, and communities, each with individual digital equity goals, and take that diverse voice to form a collective vision. We work together to implement that vision, creating a collective impact that opens doors to workforce development, healthcare, education opportunities, and more. 

Ready to join the ecosystem of partners?

The Urgent Need

In today’s interconnected world, lack of access to digital resources creates significant barriers to opportunities like securing employment, accessing healthcare, and furthering education. The CDE’s ecosystem approach ensures that these barriers are addressed collectively, enabling individuals to reach their full potential and participate fully in society.

Our Mission

Collaborate with key partners to increase equitable access to and adoption of digital tools, skills, and support services.

Our collaborations with a wide array of partners build a robust digital equity ecosystem. By connecting individuals, organizations, businesses, and communities, we drive initiatives that ensure everyone in the Carolina region has the digital access necessary to enhance wellness, pursue opportunities, and achieve self-sufficiency.

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Our Role as a Convener and Catalyst

As a central hub in the digital equity landscape, the CDE plays a critical role in convening partners and connecting resources across the Carolinas. We bring together government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and community groups to create a synergistic network that drives real change. By coordinating efforts and sharing resources, we amplify the collective impact on key opportunity areas like workforce development, healthcare, and education.

What Benefits do partners Receive? 

Ecosystem Partner Tiers

Joining our ecosystem through the Community Council means becoming part of a dynamic network committed to advancing digital inclusion and expanding opportunities across the region.

Whether you represent yourself, a nonprofit, business, or government agency, CDE offers a partnership that is tailored to align with your goals and resources:

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EXPLORER

Perfect for those looking to gain insights into digital inclusion and share perspectives with a diverse community.

  • Access to the digital equity ecosystem community 
  • Opportunities to develop partnerships
  • Benefit from CDE’s digital navigator service

If you are not ready to  become an Explorer yet but want more information, email Amy Crippen at crippena@queens.edu
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INNOVATOR

Engage with our network to foster connections and strengthen your digital inclusion efforts.

  • All Explorer benefits
  • Influence co-created solutions and long-term strategies
  • Access to development opportunities such as trainings, workshops, and conferences
  • CDE support in aligning digital equity efforts in collaboration with your organization
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CHAMPION

Join the leading partners making a significant impact by contributing generously to our mission.

  • All Innovator benefits
  • Access to custom marketing materials and media coverage
  • Eligibility for stipends or direct investments
  • Opportunity for professional consulting, sponsored by CDE
  • CDE’s support in grant applications with a letter of support

 

“It has been amazing. They support us and all our ideas when we need something from them. They have an amazing team, and we love to work with them.” Nori Maldonado, Workforce Development Coordinator, Camino
“I absolutely love this organization and hope and pray I have the opportunity to either pay them back one day or pay it forward.” Charlotte Resident
“We appreciate the Center for Digital Equity for implementing digital inclusion efforts for the residents of Mecklenburg County and beyond. This report (Collective Impact Report FY2024) demonstrates their partnership and the collective impact they have made for many North Carolinians.” Annette Taylor, Director of the N.C. Department of Information Technology’s Office of Digital Equity and Literacy.

Ready to Get to Work?

Starting Your Partner Journey

Together, we can bridge the digital divide, improve access to critical resources, and create a more inclusive future for all. Joining the ecosystem has two steps:

  • STEP ONE  Review the library of partner resources listed below just before the Partner Engagement Form.

  • STEP TWO  Complete the Partner Engagement Form.

  • STEP THREE  Attend a Community Council Orientation. After you submit the Partner Engagement Form, a link will be included in your confirmation email, where you can choose a date for the Community Council Orientation.

After orientation, you'll better understand the steps needed to align your digital equity goals with our ecosystem. We encourage existing partners to attend an orientation whenever they feel a refresher is needed.

Explore Our Resources

5-Year Plan

Event Calendar

Charter

Collective Impact Reports

NCDIT Tech Access and Resource Finder

Policy Agenda

 

Partner Engagement Form