NC Community Colleges Receives $100,000 Contribution From AT&T to Advance Digital Equity in North Carolina

Raleigh, NC (January 16, 2026) – In today’s economy, access to digital skills is no longer optional. An understanding of digital skills is essential for education, employment, and economic mobility. Research from the National Skills Coalition estimated that up to 91% of jobs in North Carolina require workers to have digital skills. The research further emphasized that individuals who obtain a job that requires at least one digital skill earn up to 23% more than individuals employed in a job that requires no digital skills. While these skills are necessary, many North Carolinians face barriers to technology access and lack foundational skills in digital literacy. This, in turn, limits opportunity and economic mobility. Advancing digital equity across the state requires sustained investment, strong partnerships, and proven solutions.

Recognizing this need and a shared commitment with the North Carolina Community College System (“System”), AT&T has made a $100,000 contribution to support North Carolina’s Digital Navigator Program at eight North Carolina community colleges. 

“We are extremely grateful for AT&T’s support and shared commitment to digital equity. This funding allows the NC Community College System to extend the reach of a proven program and deepen its impact for learners, job seekers, and communities across the state” says Katie Loovis, NC Community Colleges Foundation Executive Director. 

The Digital Navigator Program supports community college personnel who are certified in digital literacy and trained to guide participants through technology skill development. Digital Navigators provide both one-on-one and group instruction, serving as local resources for community members that are seeking to build their technology skills. Participants include adults with limited digital experience as well as students aiming to strengthen their digital proficiency for workforce readiness and economic mobility.

The Digital Navigator Program was originally launched by the NCCCS College and Career Readiness team in 2023 with 20 community colleges. The Program was scheduled to conclude in December 2025. By September 30, 2025 the program had demonstrated strong results:

• 91 individuals were trained and certified as digital navigators
• 11,709 students and prospective students received digital skills training (duplicated headcount)
• 658 laptops and 146 hotspots were distributed

The Digital Navigators curriculum is grounded in the Northstar Digital Literacy curriculum, a research-based platform designed for adult learners. Through a statewide license supported by the System, Northstar is provided at no cost to North Carolina community colleges. Digital Navigators utilize this curriculum to assess competencies and deliver instruction in areas including: Basic Computer Skills, Internet Basics, Email Usage, Windows 11, Microsoft Office, Google Workspace tools, and Computer Skills for Employment. 

Training is delivered in a variety of formats and locations to meet community needs, including on-campus settings, satellite learning sites, and community locations such as senior centers, housing authorities, and resource centers. Programming may include individual coaching, group workshops, or supplemental support for adult education learners.

AT&T’s generous support will ensure the model will continue to thrive at five established colleges: Alamance, Catawba Valley, Cleveland, Forsyth Tech, and Robeson Community Colleges, while extending its reach to three new institutions: Caldwell, Richmond, and Wayne Community Colleges. Funding is subject to change pending final confirmations with each college.

“At AT&T, we believe that connecting changes everything”, says Trey Rabon, President, AT&T North Carolina. “Access to digital skills is essential for education, employment, and full participation in today’s economy. Through our support of the Digital Navigators Program, AT&T is proud to collaborate with the North Carolina Community College System to help expand access to technology training and resources for communities across the state”.

AT&T’s investment will help strengthen digital equity efforts across North Carolina by ensuring continued access to digital skills training, devices, and connectivity for communities across the state.

###

 

About the North Carolina Community College System

The North Carolina Community College System (NC Community Colleges or System) is the engine for workforce development in North Carolina and the only public entity dedicated to providing affordable college access to anyone in the state. The System is governed by the NC State Board of Community Colleges with administration from the NC Community College System Office, and support from the NC Community Colleges Foundation, and is powered by the 58 community colleges and their respective foundations. Together, the System serves 600,000 students and awards more than 60,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates annually. For more information, visit https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/ 

 

About Philanthropy at AT&T

At AT&T, our corporate responsibility work is dedicated to bridging the digital divide across the country. We are committed to providing people of all ages and from every community with the essential resources they need to thrive in the digital era. For generations, we have supported programs that impact millions of individuals nationwide, and since 2021, we have committed $5 billion to initiatives that enhance connectivity, promote digital literacy, and improve access to high-speed internet. Our efforts particularly focus on uplifting underserved communities, including students, older adults, and un-or underemployed individuals, ensuring everyone can participate in the digital world and benefit from its opportunities.

 

For Inquiries, please reach out to: Katie Loovis, Executive Director, NC Community Colleges Foundation, Kloovis@ncccf.org.