Cary, NC — Leaders in technology, government, education, and community development converged at NC State University's James B. Hunt, Jr. Library on Monday, April 28 for the NC Digital Opportunity Gathering, a dynamic event focused on bridging the digital divide and promoting inclusive connectivity across North Carolina.
Hosted by the North Carolina Department of Information Technology - Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity and NC State University's Institute for Emerging Issues, the gathering served as a platform for sharing strategies, success stories, and collaborative efforts aimed at ensuring 100% of North Carolinians have access to affordable high-speed internet, digital devices, and the skills to use them.
More than 200 attendees participated in panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions throughout the day. The agenda included a keynote from Dr. Nicol Turner Lee, Brooking's Director of the Center for Technology Innovation (CTI) and Senior Fellow of Governance Studies, along with speaking engagements with state officials and community organizers, and breakout sessions highlighting topics such as rural broadband expansion, digital literacy training, and equitable access to telehealth and online education.
UWNC held a table at the event alongside NCDIT's Division of Broadband and Digital Opportunity, educating attendees about our NC 211 and NCDIT partnership, which has offered 14,000 North Carolinians digital opportunity services by calling 2-1-1, since August 2024. Services consist of referrals for internet affordability, access to computers and digital devices, digital skills and literacy, tech support and free Wi-Fi.
From left to right: David Mercado (Senior Director of Operations), Sally Gordon (Director of Mission Advancement), Sara Carlson (Mission Advancement Manager).
Annette Taylor, Deputy Secretary for Broadband and Digital Opportunity at NCDIT, opened the event with a call to action: “Digital opportunity is not just about infrastructure — it's about inclusion, empowerment, and innovation. We are building a future where every North Carolinian, no matter their ZIP code, has a fair shot at success in the digital age.”
Attendees heard from local champions who are implementing grassroots digital inclusion programs, including initiatives targeting seniors, job seekers, and low-income families. The Digital Navigators Network, a growing statewide effort that trains individuals to help community members access and effectively use digital tools, was featured prominently as a model for peer-to-peer support.
The Hunt Library, known for its cutting-edge design and commitment to technology access, provided an inspiring backdrop for the event. Participants also had the opportunity to engage with community resource booths, and live demos of new digital inclusion tools, such as NCDIT's Tech Resource Finder, where folks can find resources like help with using the internet, finding public computers and Wi-Fi, and digital classes across North Carolina.
"We need consistency on one accord, to move towards where we need to go." Said David Mercado, Senior Director of Operations of UWNC during his panel discussion. "If we can get people across the nation, in person or remote, to hold a standard [of working towards providing digital opportunity], we can get to the next level."
The NC Digital Opportunity Gathering was an inaugural event and marks a milestone in the state’s broader efforts to meet the goals outlined in its North Carolina Digital Opportunity Plan. Organizers hope to make the event an annual tradition, bringing even more voices into the conversation next year.