Digital Inclusion Programs

Updated: Jul 22, 2021

The Digital Inclusion division provides community based opportunities that use technology as a catalyst to foster creativity and improve the quality of life for citizens of Raleigh. Through a diverse group of programs and partners, participants connect to valuable information, gain knowledge, and learn skills necessary to help them become active members of the digital economy.

Raleigh Digital Connectors

Digital Connectors is a nationally renowned program, provided by the City of Raleigh, that provides technology and leadership training for youth, ages 14-18. The program offers young people a chance to expand 21st century technology skills, develop professional life skills, participate in open data projects, explore workplace pathways, and serve their communities.

Do you enjoy learning about technology? Do you like to teach others about using computers and the Internet? Do you want to make a difference in your community? If so, apply to become a Raleigh Digital Connector.

Raleigh Digital Connectors Application 2021-2022 (PDF)
Raleigh Digital Connectors Application 2021-2022 (Word doc)

What Digital Connectors Learn

In an innovative technology room at the Raleigh Pathways Center, Raleigh Digital Connectors learn skills in 12 Core Competencies:

Leadership & Diversity
Personal Development
Workforce Development
Financial Literacy
Community Mapping
Digital Literacy
Coding
Open Data Principles
Environmentalism and Sustainability
Civic Journalism
Service and Global Engagement
Teaching and Facilitation

Digital Connectors receive long-lasting benefits by:

Increasing computer and Internet knowledge
Learning the value of access and digital inclusion in their community
Becoming certified in Ever-Fi financial literacy
Learning entrepreneurship and life skills
Gaining skills to succeed in high school, college, and the global workforce
Becoming young leaders in the community

2020-2021 Project: Self-Guided Tours and Interactive Maps

The 2020-2021 Raleigh Digital Connectors class collaborated with the Greater Raleigh Convention and Visitors Bureau to create maps that showcase some of Downtown Raleigh's most visited attractions, historic sites, and beautiful parks. Each tour was developed and narrated by Digital Connectors. Attractions, descriptions, audio files, and art direction for the maps were all led by program participants.

Looking for things to do in Raleigh? View each of the tours here.

Raleigh Digital Ambassadors

The Raleigh Digital Ambassadors program is a selected group of dedicated and engaged alumni of the Raleigh Digital Connectors. Ambassadors serve their communities through a year-long commitment to serve their city through Digital Inclusion efforts.

These efforts can include projects such as Digital Literacy Trainings for underserved residents and STEM Education Initiatives at local community centers. In addition to a volunteer commitment, Ambassadors meet once a week either virtually or at the Raleigh Pathways Center. This program allows participants to receive personal and professional growth opportunities that aid them in becoming more passionate, independent, and civically engaged young adults.