RALEIGH, NC — April 10, 2025 — The N.C. Department of Information Technology (NCDIT) today announced the launch of the state’s $17 million Digital Opportunity grant program, which will expand North Carolinians’ access to digital devices, help desk and technical support, as well as digital skills and online safety programs. NCDIT’s Office of Digital Opportunity will administer the program with funds from the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to expand economic development by ensuring North Carolinians have the skills and technology needed to compete for jobs.
“All North Carolinians need the computers and skills to access high-speed internet and use it safely and effectively,” said NCDIT Secretary and State Chief Information Officer Teena Piccione. “This program will help ensure that every resident of our state can thrive in today’s digital economy and build their skills through online resources.”
The Digital Opportunity grant program includes two tracks, and applicants may apply for Track 1 and/or Track 2:
- Track 1: Digital Skills, Digital Navigation and Online Safety
This track will be used to expand or create digital literacy and online safety skills programs and/or expand or create digital navigator programs. - Track 2: Computer Ownership Capacity Building and Sustainability
This track will be used to expand computer ownership through two sub tracks to refurbish and deploy computers. (Applicants may not apply for both sub tracks.)
To qualify for funding, applicants must be one of the following types of entities: community services (including local governments, county libraries and K-12 school systems); nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3); higher education institutions (including individual schools, colleges or centers within the system); regional entities (including councils of governments); or state government agencies and federally recognized tribal government entities.
Applications for each track will be accepted through June 9 at 11:59 p.m. The application links and additional information, including program guidelines, FAQs, a budget template and information sessions for applicants, are available at ncbroadband.gov/Digital-Opportunity-Grant.
The Digital Opportunity grant program is part of Governor Josh Stein’s plan to close the digital divide and enhance workforce development by expanding access to digital devices and digital skills programming. For more information, visit ncbroadband.gov.
