The CDE is actively working to bridge the Digital Divide by paving the way to digital connectivity for all residents in Mecklenburg County.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. (July 18, 2023) – The Center for Digital Equity (CDE) at Queens University of Charlotte has released its first-ever Annual Collective Impact Report, showcasing the progress its digital equity work has made in bridging the digital divide in Charlotte communities.
The CDE’s Annual Report highlights the collective impact of its partnership with residents, partners, and stakeholders in fervently addressing the needs of all people living in Mecklenburg County. The CDE, along with its dedicated partners, is working to ensure all Charlotte citizens have technology, digital skills, and the internet–all necessities in today’s world. Ultimately, the CDE aims to make Mecklenburg County the most digitally equitable community in America.
The following is a sample of significant milestones achieved from July 2022 – June 2023 outlined in the Annual Collective Impact Report. The CDE:
- supported internet adoption for 10,000 households via the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and the Your Home, Your Internet grant with INLIVIAN (formerly the Charlotte Housing Authority).
- was chosen as the lead partner for the digital divide priority focus area for the Mayor’s Racial Equity Initiative (MREI) in Charlotte.
- supported the distribution of 20,000 laptops in partnership with Charlotte Mecklenburg Library and E2D
- developed version one of a digital literacy journey map that will help residents better connect to personalized digital resources.
- provided outreach to increase digital navigator ticket volumes through partnerships with Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools (CMS).
- conducted digital literacy sessions using its Digital Navigator Program throughout the Greater Charlotte metropolitan area.
“Digital equity is not just an aspiration; it is an urgent necessity in our increasingly connected world,” says Bruce Clark, Executive Director at The Center for Digital Equity. “Our first annual collective impact report showcases the power of collaboration and highlights the transformative strides we’ve made in Mecklenburg County. Together, we are forging a future where every individual has equal access to digital opportunities, breaking barriers and empowering communities to thrive in the digital age.”
The full report is available here. For additional information about the Center for Digital Equity, visit thecenterfordigitalequity.org and follow the CDE on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram. For media inquiries or interview requests, contact Jameka Whitten at 704.965.3297 or jameka@jswmediagroup.com.
About The Center for Digital Equity (CDE)
The Center for Digital Equity at Queens University of Charlotte is the backbone organization for a collective impact strategy bringing together residents, public and private sector partners to co-create solutions allowing every resident to thrive in our modern culture. It recognizes that digital equity is necessary for a thriving society, democracy, and economy. Through awareness, partnerships, and action, it aims to empower organizations to deliver digital inclusion resources to the communities they serve.
About Queens University
Queens University of Charlotte is located in one of America’s fastest-growing cities, offering an extended classroom to students and a direct pipeline to meaningful careers for graduates. On track to become the national private university of Charlotte, Queens University serves around 2,000 students in undergraduate and masters-level programs across the liberal arts and sciences as well as the professional fields of business, communication, nursing, health, and education. Queens’ unique General Education model teaches students to think critically about some of the world’s biggest problems, beyond the boundaries of what’s expected in a college classroom. The U.S. News & World Report ranked Queens 9th among regional universities in the south in its 2022 edition of Best Colleges.
