HCCOG receives $800,000 from NC Department of Information Technology’s Digital Champion Grant

HIGH COUNTRY — The Digital Champion grant program awarded more than $30 million to community service, nonprofit, higher education and regional organizations to expand digital equity to North Carolinians. 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; or applications and online content designed to increase accessibility and inclusivity.

This program establishes 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.

The $800,000 awarded to HCCOG will provide a full-time digital inclusion and equity coordinator & GIS tech. It will also establish a regional funding pool, which will significantly enhance digital equity efforts by enabling focused attention, collaboration with community institutions, and the implementation of targeted projects outlined in the High Country Digital Inclusion Plan, including device distribution events, connectivity support, and digital literacy initiatives tailored to diverse community needs.

Full grant award list can be found at www.ncbroadband.gov/digital-champion-grantees.