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WASHINGTON, N.C.— Beaufort County Community College (Beaufort CCC) received an $800,000 Digital Equity Grant from the N.C. Department of Information Technology through the American Rescue Plan. The funding supports the Beaufort Digital Bridge and BCCC Mobile programs, designed to improve digital literacy, expand technology access, and reduce the digital divide in Beaufort CCC’s service area of Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell, and Washington counties.

The multi-year project focuses on education, technology access, and personalized digital support services. Beaufort CCC hired two full-time Digital Navigators, Beverly Bower and Renee Hinchey, and one Digital Literacy instructor, Crystal Miller. They will complete specialized training, including certifications through the North Carolina Community College System and NorthStar Digital Literacy, ensuring high-quality instruction and support.

Access to the internet and computing devices remains a challenge in the region. In Hyde County, 25% of households lack internet access, while 20% of households in Beaufort County are without internet service. In Tyrrell and Washington counties, 17% of residents lack connectivity, compared to 11% statewide. Additionally, 13% of households in Beaufort County lack a computing device, with this number rising to 14% in Tyrrell and Washington counties and 16% in Hyde County. High poverty rates further limit residents’ ability to purchase computers or internet services, deepening the digital divide and restricting access to educational and economic opportunities.

To address these challenges, the project established two laptop lending libraries on the main campus, offering free device access. The college also acquired a mobile van and a car to support community outreach and technology delivery throughout its four-county service area, one of the most rural in the state.

The Digital Navigators will provide one-on-one and small-group tech support across the region. Through the BCCC Mobile project, one Digital Navigator will assist currently enrolled students in the region with technologies needed to be successful in their college classes. Through the Beaufort Digital Bridge project, another Digital Navigator will work with community centers and churches to help get more members of the community confident with their online skills.

Digital Literacy classes will be offered both online and in person through the Beaufort Digital Bridge program using the NorthStar Digital Literacy curriculum. Free classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:30 to 3:00 p.m. at the Continuing Education Building on the main campus. Monthly classes will also be available at the Hyde Davis Center, with morning and evening options.

Seniors can participate in a two-hour Digital Literacy class offered monthly at the Grace Martin Senior Center in Beaufort County, the Hyde County Senior Center (January and March), and the Washington County Senior Center (February and April).

Beaufort CCC’s website, www.beaufortccc.edu/digitalbridge, features an extensive online digital resource library, providing 24/7 access to educational materials, tutorials, and community support links related to digital literacy and equitable technology use.

Dr. Dave Loope, President of Beaufort CCC, stated, “This grant allows us to transform digital literacy and equity in our community. By equipping individuals with essential technology skills, we’re fostering opportunities for employment, education, and personal growth so that we can carry out our mission of breaking the cycle of poverty in Eastern North Carolina.”