In a move to bridge the digital gap, North Carolina has introduced a new online tool aimed at helping residents navigate the increasingly internet-dependent world. Launched by the NC Division of Broadband, the Tech Resource Finder website boasts over 1,100 resources intended to guide North Carolinians towards better internet access, computer use, technical support, and digital literacy classes, as announced by Governor Roy Cooper.
"All North Carolinians need to comfortably be able to access high-speed internet and use it safely and effectively,” Governor Cooper stated in a news release of N.C. Department of Information Technology. The new tech tool is a part of the state's initiative to ensure citizens can tap into the digital economy for work, education, telehealth, and maintaining social connections online. The website enables users to find local resources by inputting their county, zip code, or the type of service needed, offering both map and table views for the search results.
In the official press release, State CIO and NCDIT Secretary Jim Weaver said, "The internet is essential in almost every aspect of today’s world. Our goal is to ensure that North Carolinians are aware of nearby resources available to help them get online and build their digital skillsets.” This statement underscores the N.C. Department of Information Technology recognition of the internet’s pervasive role in contemporary life and its commitment to digital inclusion.
Furthering the scope of the Tech Resource Finder, the division's partnership with the United Way/ NC 211 will help integrate these local tech resources into the NC 211 system. As a result, community resource specialists from NC 211 will be able to quickly connect callers to these verified sources. The service provided by NC 211 is notable for its accessibility, being available in several languages and remaining open around the clock throughout the year.
