Title

Rural DigiCon: Digital Equity & Literacy Conference - Empowering Rural Communities

Relevance

{"ops":[{"insert":"Bertie County, North Carolina, is home to a vibrant community eager to enhance its digital equity. Recognizing the importance of digital access and proficiency in today’s world, especially in Northeast NC where the disparity of the digital divide is more pronounced, I organized a comprehensive Digital Equity and Literacy Conference in collaboration with Bertie 4-H Agent Toniqua Young, Bertie CED Billy Barrow, Bertie Admin Cynthia Davis, NCCE’s Community and Economic Development Program Manager Kenny Sherin, my NC Digital Futures Program teammate Kyndai Bridgers from Edgecombe/Nash, Sarah Tinkham and Melissa Smith of Fybe High-Speed Internet Service Provider, Angella Dunston and Reba Holley of Roanoke Cooperative, and manager Ryann Bryant of the Bertie branch of Albemarle Regional Library.\n"}]}

Response

{"ops":[{"insert":"We hosted the Bertie DigiCon: Digital Equity & Literacy Conference on 10/12/24, drawing 69 attendees, 10 vendors, & coverage in two newspapers. Partners like NCDIT, NC ODEL, Mid-East Commission, Bertie Council on Aging, Bertie DHHS, AARP, and NC Works were key to the event’s success. Maggie Woods, Deputy Director of NC ODEL secured Phillip Holloway, NCDIT’s Digital Equity Coordinator, as our keynote speaker. A native of nearby Swan Quarter, Mr. Holloway truly understands the barriers to digital equity Northeast NC residents face. The event also benefited from strong support from NC A&T University. Semaj Johnson went above and beyond to bring us NC A&T's Innovation Station Mobile STEM Lab, offering hands-on tech activities for attendees of all ages. Prominent leaders, including Misty Blue-Terry, Mark Light, Travella Free, & Sheronica Sharp, attended. Their involvement underscored the event’s importance and NCAT/NCSU's shared commitment to advancing digital literacy.\n"}]}

Results

{"ops":[{"insert":"Throughout the day, participants could explore resources like the NCAT Innovation Station, visit vendor booths, enjoy 4-H robotics demonstrations, and support Bertie County youth development programs by purchasing from the 4-H youth concession stand. They also had the chance to win door prizes through a fun stamp card activity that encouraged engagement with various booths and vendors. Our grand prize, donated by Fybe, was a brand-new HP laptop. One of my older adult students, Ms. Martha Outlaw, won the laptop and was overjoyed, shouting “ALLELUJAH” when Melissa Smith of Fybe pulled her ticket. Ms. Outlaw and I had recently discussed her need for a laptop and the devices that would best suit her needs and budget. It was a gratifying moment, marking my first opportunity to place a digital device into the hands of a Bertie resident. The inaugural Bertie DigiCon: Digital Equity & Literacy Conference provided a valuable networking platform, connecting community members with key state, regional, and local organizations. Attendees left with a deeper understanding of digital equity and gained access to the resources and tools needed to thrive in the digital age. The event was a resounding success, highlighting the power of public-private partnerships and showcasing NC Cooperative Extension’s commitment to digital inclusion through its NC Digital Futures and 4-H Programs. We raised over $150 to help send a Bertie youth to a residential 4-H camp next summer. It was a true win for digital equity, the community, and the future of Bertie County's young people.\n"}]}

Public Value Statement

{"ops":[{"insert":"Bertie DigiCon provided residents of Bertie County with tools and resources to overcome digital barriers. Funds raised will support Bertie youth attending 4-H camp, reinforcing NC Cooperative Extension’s commitment to digital inclusion and youth development. This event established a strong foundation for future efforts to advance digital equity and strengthen the Bertie County community.\n"}]}

Primary Focus Area

Youth, Family, & Communities

Secondary Focus Area

Youth, Family, & Communities

Impact Statement